CARVEDILOL - Coreg

Coreg Carvedilol Used For

Carvedilol is prescribed in addition to diuretics, ACE inhibitor and digitalis for the treatment of mild to severe ischemic or cardiomyopathic heart failure. Coreg is also prescribed for reduction of cardiovascular mortality in patients who have passed through an acute myocardial infarction and have only partial left ventricular ejection. Carvedilol may also be used for management of hypertension. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Directions for Coreg Carvedilol

Carvedilol dosage must be individualized for each patient and constantly monitored through all stages of up-titration. The recommended starting dose of Coreg for patients with congestive heart failure is 3.125 mg, twice daily for two weeks. The dosage can then be increased to 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg twice daily over successive intervals of at least two weeks. For patients with left ventricular dysfunction, the recommended starting dose of Coreg is 6.25 mg twice daily, which can be increased to 12.5 mg twice daily after 3 to 10 days & then again to the target dose of 25 mg twice daily. The recommended starting dose of Coreg for treatment of hypertension is 6.25 mg twice daily. If well tolerated, the dose may be increased to 12.5 mg daily after 7 to 14 days and then 25 mg twice daily if needed. The maximum dosage should not exceed 50 mg twice daily.

How Coreg Carvedilol works

Prior to initiation of Carvedilol treatment, it is recommended that fluid retention be minimized. Those with congestive heart failures should consult their physician if they experience any problems related to heart, weight gain or increasing shortness of breath. Certain patients may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure with a feeling of dizziness and fainting while standing. It is advisable that patients on Coreg therapy avoid driving or hazardous tasks. Diabetic patients should report any changes in blood sugar levels to their physician immediately. Patients wearing contact lens may experience decreased lacrimation.

Side effects of Coreg Carvedilol

Like all other medications, Carvedilol also has its side effects which include back pain, diarrhea, prickling or tingling sensation, unusual tiredness or weakness, allergy, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, pain, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, generalized swelling or swelling of feet, ankles or lower legs and weight gain. Some less common side effects are blood in urine, fever, itching, dark urine, decreased appetite, yellow eyes or skin, flu-like symptoms and/or tenderness on upper right side of body, mental depression and unusual bleeding or bruising. It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately if any of the above listed side effects get aggravated or persist over an extended period.

Other Coreg Carvedilol Information

Carvedilol should always be taken with food to slow its rate of absorption and also reduce the chances of unwanted side effects.