Common use

Carvedilol is a non-selective blocker of beta-adrenoreceptors and selective bloacker of alpha-receptors. Nerves of the adrenergic system innervates the heart and release norepinephrine which stimulates the heart's muscle to beat more rapidly and forcefully. Carvedilol reduces the heart's rate and force of contraction when it blocks such receptors and makes the work of the heart easier. Carvedilol blocks adrenergic receptors on arteries which relaxes them and causes blood pressure to fall.



Dosage and direction

Carvedilol is taken twice daily with food since this increases the amount of absorbed drug. Do not stop or change your dose without directions of your physician since it can result in serious cardiac complications (arrhythmias). Continue to take this medication even if you feel fine: probably you need to take blood pressure medications because your illness is life long.



Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Carvedilol, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, a serious heart condition (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate except cases with a pacemaker is used). Warn your surgeon if you are taking Carvedilol. Do not drink alcohol two our before or after your Carvedilol intake.



Contraindications

Decompensated heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, asthma, bronchitis, cardiogenic shock atrioventricular block (degree II and III), bradicardia, allergy to the components of Carvedilol, sick sinus syndrome and some other conditions. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with diabetes, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, a thyroid disorder problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).



Possible side effect

If you experience symptoms of allergy like hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face and also low or uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion, swelling of your ankles or fee, nausea, clay-colored stool, jaundice, cold feeling in your hands and feet, contact your doctor and seek for immediate medical attention.



Drug interaction

Due to the ability of Carvedilol to affect adrenergic system it may mask symptoms of hypoplycemia (tremors and increased heart rate) which are also stipulated by it. Consequently sugar levels in patients with diabetes taking Carvedilol should be monitored more often. Irregular heart rhythm or an increase in blood pressure may appear when Carvedilol is used together with Ca+ channel blockers. Carvedilol may also increase levels of digoxin and while Rifampin decreases concentration of Carvedilol in blood.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but if it is less than four hours before your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.



Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of Carvedilol and experience uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, and seizure seek for immediate medical attention.



Storage

The medication should be stored at room temperature 15-30 C (59-86 F) in a light- resistant box.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.