What is Carvedilol? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Carvedilol

• Take your medicine as instructed. The dose will be changed regularly initially to find the most effective dose.

• Do not stop taking carvedilol or reduce the dose without talking to the prescriber.

• Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.

• Take carvedilol tablets or capsules with food or milk. 

• Take extended-release capsules only once per day.

• Swallow carvedilol tablets with a glass of water.

• Swallow extended-release capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsule.

• If swallowing the capsule is too difficult:

  • Carefully open the capsule.

  • Sprinkle the contents over a spoonful of cool or cold applesauce.

  • Eat the spoonful of applesauce immediately.

• Store carvedilol tablets or capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

What to do if you miss a dose of Carvedilol

• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered.

• If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.

• Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Carvedilol contraindications - Who shouldn't take Carvedilol?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to carvedilol or if you have:

  • Asthma

  • Severe liver disease

  • Certain heart problems, including AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or a severely slow heart rate

Carvedilol warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are using carvedilol.

• The doctor prescribing carvedilol may need to perform regular examinations and tests to monitor your condition and the effects of carvedilol treatment. Keep all appointments.

• Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or similar problems

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Angina (chest pain)

  • Slow or irregular heart rate

  • Circulation problems in the feet or legs

  • Overactive thyroid

  • Diabetes

  • Adrenal gland cancer

  • A history of severe allergic reactions

• Tell the prescriber if any upcoming surgeries involving anesthesia are scheduled.

• Tell the prescriber about any scheduled cataract surgery.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: 

  • Blood sugar changes

  • Slow heart rate

  • Low blood pressure

  • Kidney dysfunction

  • Worsening of heart failure 

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop taking carvedilol until consulting with the prescriber. Some people may need the dose to be slowly decreased to prevent serious problems.

Carvedilol interactions & what to avoid when taking Carvedilol

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before carvedilol is prescribed.

• The doctor should know about specific types of drugs that interact with carvedilol, including:

  • Blood pressure medications, particularly reserpine or calcium channel blockers

  • Drugs that treat irregular heartbeats, particularly amiodarone, propafenone, quinidine, or digitalis drugs such as digoxin

  • Antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine, duloxetine, and paroxetine

  • MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Cimetidine, clonidine, cyclosporine, fluconazole, rifampin

• Tell other healthcare providers you take carvedilol before they prescribe new medications or schedule medical procedures or surgery.

Find more detailed information about carvedilol interactions to avoid here.