Coreg (Carvedilol)

Do's

• Take Coreg by mouth with food, usually twice daily, as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Take this medication regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it. 
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. 
• Keep using Coreg for high blood pressure even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. 
• Inform your surgeon if you are using Coreg before undergoing any surgery, including cataract surgery, as you may need to stop it for a short time. 

 Don'ts

• Do not exceed the recommended dosage of Coreg without consulting your healthcare provider. 

The dosage of Coreg is individualized and based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your healthcare provider may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. The recommended starting dose of Coreg for heart failure is 3.125 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, and for high blood pressure, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. The dosage may be increased after a certain period based on tolerability.  

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Slow heartbeats
• Diarrhea
• Weight gain
• Dry eyes
• Problems wearing contact lenses

Serious Side Effects:

• Very slow heartbeat
• Fainting
• Unusual weakness
• Signs of kidney problems, such as changes in the amount of urine
• Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
• Blue fingers or toes
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mental/mood changes, such as confusion or depression
• Seizures
• New or worsening symptoms of heart failure, especially at the start of carvedilol treatment.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Coreg,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Here are some warnings and precautions to consider when taking Coreg:

1. Bronchospastic Disease: Patients with bronchospastic disease, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, should generally not receive Coreg. However, in some cases where other antihypertensive agents are not effective or tolerated, Coreg may be used with caution, using the smallest effective dose to minimize the inhibition of endogenous or exogenous beta-agonists
2. Abrupt Discontinuation: Patients with coronary artery disease who are being treated with Coreg should be advised against abrupt discontinuation of therapy. Severe exacerbation of angina, myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in patients with angina following the abrupt discontinuation of beta-blockers. Coreg should be discontinued over 1 to 2 weeks whenever possible
3. Hypertension with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: In patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension and well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, Coreg was evaluated in a trial. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly in patients taking insulin or oral hypoglycemics while on Coreg
4. Other Precautions: Coreg has several other precautions, including caution in patients with certain heart conditions, such as sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome, and severe bradycardia. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment and a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to carvedilol or its components.