Uses
Carvedilol(Coreg) is a drug that has the ability to block beta and alpha receptors in the human body. The activity of the drug is primarily on the beta receptors acting as a beta antagonist or a beta blocker. It is used for cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attacks. It helps to decrease blood pressure and regulate the heart….
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it with food. Take it exactly as directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that required fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Check your blood pressure and meet with your doctor regularly while on this medication.
Stand and sit slowly to avoid dizziness.
If you are diabetic, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, dark colored urine, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the legs or ankles, yellowish skin or eyes, vomiting.
Other Side Effects
Libido changes, diarrhea, dryness of the eyes, dry skin, nausea, headache, fatigue. dizziness, high blood sugar.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Allergic reaction, diabetes, history of heart attacks or other heart conditions, liver disease, lung or breathing conditions, pheochromocytoma, irregular heartbeat, thyroid disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, circulation problems.
Adult Dose
Hypertension
Regular Release Tablet: 6.25 mg by mouth twice daily(take with food) as a starting dose.
OR
Extended Release Tablet: 20 mg once daily(take with food) as a starting dose.
Heart Failure
3.125 mg by mouth twice daily as a starting dose. The dose is then doubled every 2 weeks until the maximum tolerated dose is achieved.
Max Doses
Patients weighing less than 85 kg: 25 mg by mouth twice daily.
Patients weighing more than 85 kg: 50 mg by mouth twice daily.
Sources
1. Coreg® oral tablets, carvedilol oral tablets. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline (per FDA); 2011.
2. Charrow J, Andersson HC, Kaplan P, et al. Enzyme replacement therapy and monitoring for children with type 1 Gaucher disease: consensus recommendations. J Pediatr 2004;144:112-20.
