Coreg (Carvedilol)

What is Coreg?

Coreg (carvedilol) belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers which affect the heart and blood circulation through arteries and veins.

What is Coreg used for?

Coreg is indicated for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used to prevent heart attacks.  Reducing high blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does Coreg work?

Coreg works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals (e.g., epinephrine) in the body which affect the heart and blood vessels. This helps lower blood pressure and heart rate and also helps in reducing strain on the heart.

How to use Coreg

Coreg should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not use it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended.

Coreg is usually taken twice daily, with food and a full glass of water. You may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce so as to make swallowing easier. Take the mixture right away. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Coreg warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to carvedilol or if you have severe liver disease, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, sick sinus syndrome, heart block or slow heart rate (unless you use a pacemaker).

Prior to taking Coreg, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, low blood pressure, diabetes, congestive heart failure, a thyroid disorder, depression, myasthenia gravis, pheochromocytoma, Raynaud’s Syndrome, or if you are undergoing allergy treatments (allergy skin-testing).

Do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall. If you need to undergo a surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of Coreg. You may need to stop taking the medicine for a certain period of time before surgery. Avoid drinking alcohol and performing activities that require alertness (e.g., driving).

Pregnant and lactating women should not take this medicine without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Coreg dose?

If you have missed your Coreg dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose or if your next dose is less than 4 hours away.

What do I do if I have taken a Coreg overdose?

If you have taken a Coreg overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Coreg interactions

Before taking Coreg, consult your doctor if you are taking cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune), clonidine (Catapres), digoxin (Lanoxin, digitalis), fluconazole (Diflucan), rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate), guanabenz (Wytensin), insulin or diabetes medicines taken orally, cold medicines, diet pills, stimulant medicines, antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil) or fluoxetine (Prozac), an MAOI such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), or phenelzine (Nardil); beta blockers such as esmolol (Brevibloc), atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne), nadolol (Corgard), metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), propranolol (InnoPran, Inderal), sotalol (Betapace); heart medications such as quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release), amiodarone (Pacerone, Cordarone), propafenone (Rythmol), reserpine (Serpasil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia); or medication for breathing disorders (includi

Coreg side effects

Coreg side effects include hives, breathing trouble, stomach ache, uneven heart rate, nausea, fainting, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, depression; swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat, feet or ankles, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Coreg, contact your doctor right away.

Fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, impotence, decreased sex drive, or difficulty having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Coreg.