Coreg CR (Carvedilol ER)

Description

Coreg CR is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. In addition, it's used to reduce cardiovascular death in clinically stable patients who've had a heart attack and have a left ventricular ejection fraction equal to 40% or less.

Coreg CR comes in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg oral capsules.

Carvedilol phosphate extended-release is the generic for Coreg CR.

Directions

Carefully read the information that comes with your Coreg CR prescription. Take Coreg CR as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not abruptly stop taking Coreg CR; doing so can worsen chest pain or cause a heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms.

Because Coreg CR is designed to stay in the body longer, it's recommended to be taken once daily in the morning with food. Each patient's dose is based on the condition being treated, their health history, and their current health problems. 

Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew them. 

However, swallowing capsules can be a challenge for some patients. Therefore, the capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled over a spoonful of applesauce and consumed right away.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Coreg CR is carvedilol phosphate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent with alpha-1 blocking properties.

Contraindications

Coreg CR may not be the best treatment option for everyone. 

Do not take Coreg CR if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bronchial asthma or other related conditions
• Second- or third-degree AV block
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Severely low heart rate without a permanent pacemaker
• Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure that requires IV inotropic therapy
• Severe liver problems
• A previous allergy or reaction to Coreg CR or any of its components

Cautions

Before you begin treatment with Coreg CR, inform your doctor of:

• All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription
• Your allergies
• Your medical history and health problems
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Coreg CR helps treat high blood pressure by lessening the stress on your heart and blood vessels. Because it can cause low blood pressure, caution should be used when standing from a sitting position. Do not drive or participate in other hazardous activities until you know how Coreg CR affects you.
• Upon increasing the dose of Coreg CR, heart failure or fluid retention may worsen. Call your doctor right away if you have swelling, difficulty breathing, or rapid weight gain.
• The symptoms of low blood sugar, including rapid heart rate, may be masked by Coreg CR. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar regularly and treat low blood sugar as instructed by their doctor.
• The symptoms of slowed or stopped blood flow through the arteries in patients with peripheral vascular disease may worsen with the use of Coreg CR. Caution should be used in these patients.
• Kidney function may worsen with the use of Coreg CR, especially in patients with low blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying kidney problems.
• Patients should use caution before undergoing major surgery.
• The signs of overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, may be masked by Coreg CR. In addition, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism may worsen or a thyroid storm may occur if Coreg CR is stopped abruptly.
• Caution should be used in patients who take Coreg CR and are suspected to have pheochromocytoma.
• Caution should be used in patients who take Coreg CR and are suspected to have Prinzmetal's variant angina.
• Coreg CR has alpha-blocking capabilities, which can cause Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome during cataract surgery.
• Severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue; and rash can occur with Coreg CR. Seek emergency care immediately if you have any of these effects.

Side Effects

Common Coreg CR side effects include weakness, fatigue, low heart rate, low blood pressure, headache, and dizziness; however, these are not all the side effects that can occur. 

Call your doctor immediately if you have bothersome or persistent side effects.

Reference:

1. Coreg CR-carvedilol phosphate capsule, extended release. GlaxoSmithKline LLC; 2020.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....