Carvedilol
About Carvedilol
Carvedilol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), moderate to severe heart failure, and angina (heart-related chest pain). Besides this, Carvedilol also reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke in adults.
Carvedilol contains Carvedilol, which acts by relaxing blood vessels. Thus, it lowers the raised blood pressure and keeps the heart beating slowly and with less force, reducing the risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, or other heart problems.
In some cases, you may experience diarrhoea, headache, weight gain, tiredness, dizziness, or low blood pressure. Most of these side effects of Carvedilol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Carvedilol or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Carvedilol is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Carvedilol.
Uses of Carvedilol
Medicinal Benefits
- Carvedilol contains Carvedilol, a beta-blocker that helps reduce high blood pressure (hypertension), thereby lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
- It is commonly used in the management of heart failure by improving the heart’s ability to pump blood and reducing the workload on the heart.
- By reducing the oxygen demand of the heart, Carvedilol helps prevent episodes of angina, especially in patients with coronary artery disease.
- It is often prescribed after a heart attack to improve survival and prevent further heart damage.
- Carvedilol slows down the heart rate, which can help reduce palpitations and improve heart efficiency, especially in arrhythmic conditions.
- Unlike some other beta-blockers, Carvedilol has antioxidant effects that may provide additional protection to the heart and blood vessels.
Directions for Use
- Carvedilol can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Carvedilol as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Carvedilol
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Slow heartbeat
- Dry eyes
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Drug Warnings
- If you are allergic to Carvedilol or any other medicines, please tell your doctor.
- Avoid taking Carvedilol if you have bronchitis, asthma, emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), severe liver disease, heart block, slow heart rate, or sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms caused by malfunction of the heart’s natural pacemaker).
- If you have diabetes, coronary artery disease, fluid retention, thyroid disorder, angina (chest pain), kidney disease, slow heartbeats, Raynaud’s syndrome (a circulatory problem), or pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), inform your doctor before taking Carvedilol.
- Carvedilol is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Carvedilol.
- If you are about to undergo any surgery, you are advised to inform your doctor that you are taking Carvedilol.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Carvedilol may have interactions with pain killers (aspirin), calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), water pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), and thyroid medicines (levothyroxine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Carvedilol may interact with grapefruit juice. Therefore, avoid intake of grapefruit juice with Carvedilol as it may increase the levels of Carvedilol in blood. Also, avoid sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium-rich foods with Carvedilol as they may reduce the effect of Carvedilol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Carvedilol if you have bronchitis, asthma, emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), severe liver disease, heart block, slow heart rate, or sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms caused by malfunction of the heart’s natural pacemaker).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Carvedilol as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache.
Pregnancy
cautionCarvedilol is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCarvedilol is excreted in human milk. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding while taking Carvedilol as it may cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
cautionCarvedilol may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy or tired after taking Carvedilol.
Liver
cautionTake Carvedilol with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Carvedilol with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeCarvedilol is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low salt diet and minimise eating processed foods as they contain more sodium. Try to replace salt with spices or herbs to add flavour to the food.
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress by changing your expectations, the way you react in certain situations, and doing activities that you enjoy by making time for yourself.
- Maintain a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil, which may help in lowering high blood pressure.
- Quit smoking and avoid the consumption of alcohol.
Special Advise
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor.
- A low salt diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Carvedilol for effective results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that the heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Hypertension is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and a heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure.
FAQs
Carvedilol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), moderate to severe heart failure, and angina (heart-related chest pain). Besides this, it also reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke in adults.
Carvedilol contains Carvedilol, which works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body. This lowers the blood pressure and helps in reducing the risk of having a stroke, a heart attack or other heart problems in the future.
You are recommended to avoid sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium-rich foods with Carvedilol as they may reduce the effect of Carvedilol. Also, avoid intake of grapefruit juice with Carvedilol as it may increase the levels of Carvedilol in blood and cause adverse effects.
Carvedilol may cause dry eyes in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Carvedilol to experience this side effect. Therefore, inform your doctor if you wear contact lenses before taking Carvedilol.
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Carvedilol as it may cause Carvedilol overdose resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, fits, fainting, weakness, bluish-coloured fingernails, uneven heartbeats and shortness of breath. However, if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Carvedilol, please consult a doctor immediately.
You are not recommended to take Carvedilol with amlodipine as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of low blood pressure and low heart rate resulting in symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, changes in heartbeat or pulse, fainting or headache. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted to use safely.
No, do not stop using Carvedilol without consulting your doctor, even if you find symptomatic relief, as discontinuing suddenly may cause chest pain or a heart attack. Therefore, take Carvedilol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while using Carvedilol, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Carvedilol and Carvedilol are the same. Carvedilol is a brand name that contains Carvedilol as its active ingredient.
Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that slows down your heart rate. Blocking the effects of adrenaline helps lower blood pressure, reduce angina symptoms, and prevent heart failure.
Stopping Carvedilol suddenly can lead to serious health issues. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions when discontinuing this medication. Abruptly stopping Carvedilol can cause chest pain, heart attack, or other heart-related complications. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose over time to discontinue the medication safely.
Carvedilol may cause fatigue or tiredness as a common side effect. To manage fatigue, try getting regular exercise, taking breaks, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, eating a balanced diet, and practising stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing. If fatigue persists, consult your doctor for further guidance.
Yes, Carvedilol can cause weight gain as a possible side effect. To manage weight gain, try maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your calorie intake. Also, aim to eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid sugary snacks. If weight gain persists or concerns you, consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Carvedilol may increase the risk of kidney problems or worsen existing kidney disease. However, kidney failure is rare. If you experience symptoms like decreased urine output, swelling, or fatigue, seek medical attention promptly. Regular monitoring of kidney function is essential while taking Carvedilol.
A diabetic patient can take Carvedilol, but monitoring blood glucose levels regularly is essential. Carvedilol can affect blood sugar levels and may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), such as an increased heart rate. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes while taking this medication.
No, Carvedilol should be taken with food. This helps improve the medication's absorption and reduces the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure.
Carvedilol is generally well-tolerated, but in rare cases, some individuals may experience serious side effects. These may include severe low blood pressure, worsening heart failure, abnormally slow heart rate, liver damage, kidney problems, severe allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties. Consult your doctor promptly if you have concerns or experience any unusual symptoms.
Before taking Carvedilol, it's crucial to consider certain medical conditions that may interact with the medication. These conditions include severe allergic reactions, slow heart rate, heart failure, severe asthma or COPD, liver disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and peripheral vascular disease. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. To ensure safe treatment, consult your doctor before taking Carvedilol, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take other medications. Sharing your medical history and current medications with your doctor is essential.
