Carvedilol

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Molecule Description

Carvedilol is a Cardiovascular medicine used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart caused by the narrowing of arteries (blood vessels). It belongs to a class of medicines called ‘beta-blockers.’

Uses

Treatment of high blood pressure with no known cause (essential hypertension), chest pain while walking or any activity which has a definite pattern (chronic stable angina). Add-on treatment for prolonged standing heart failure (moderate to severe chronic heart failure).

Contraindications

When should one not use Carvedilol

Allergy to Carvedilol or any components of the medicine
History of asthma or other lung diseases
If you are suffering from any heart or liver problem
If you are suffering from severe disturbances in the body’s acid-base balance (metabolic acidosis)

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, tiredness
Heart failure (inadequacy of the heart to pump blood efficiently)
Lung problems, urinary infections
Decreased red blood cells
Weight gain
Poorly controlled blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Visual problems, dry eyes
Slow heart rate, swelling of hands and feet (edema)
Breathing problems, blood circulation problems (coldness and pain of hands and legs)
Breathing problems, asthma
Loose motions, stomach pain, indigestion, discomfort
Kidney problems, difficult to urinate
Sleep disturbances, confusion, chest pain, abnormal sensations, allergic skin reactions (itching, rashes, redness), hair loss, impotence, fainting (uncommon)
Low platelets, dry mouth, stuffy nose (rare)

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Adequate data is not available, and it is unknown if Carvedilol can be harmful for the baby. Hence, it is recommended to avoid this medicine during pregnancy unless other alternatives are not available.

Breast Feeding

Carvedilol secretes in the breast milk, and it has the potential to harm the baby. Hence women taking this medicine should not breast-feed.

Driving

Carvedilol is not known to affect your ability to drive but you can experience drowsiness and reduced alertness. Hence, caution is recommended.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol as some side effects of Carvedilol may be worsened with alcohol.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Heart, liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
Diabetes, poor circulation affecting feet, hands, lower legs (Raynaud phenomenon)
Allergic reactions for which you have taken treatment
Wearing contact lenses (as Carvedilol can cause drying of eyes)

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

It relaxes and widens the blood vessels and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout the body. Hence, it reduces blood pressure and strain on your heart.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines used for irregular heartbeats (Diltiazem, Verapamil, Amiodarone)
Medicines for chest pain and heart failure (Isosorbide Mononitrate or Glyceryl Trinitrate, Digoxin)
Antihyperstensives (Doxazosin, Amlodipine, Reserpine, Indoramin)
Antidepressants (Fluoxetine, Amitryptiline, Imipramine, etc.)
Immunosuppressants (Cyclosporine, Prednisolone)
Painkillers, Ergot medicines (to treat migraine)
Antibiotics (Rifampicin, Erythromycin)
Antifungals (Ketoconazole etc.)
Medicines for cough and cold (Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine)

Interactions with food items

Take the tablet with a meal or right after a meal along with a glass of water.

Dosage

Overdose

Unintentional overdose may not be life-threatening. But,a high overdose can be harmful. If you experience symptoms such as low blood pressure, slow heart rate, chest pain, difficulty in breathing or any disturbed consciousness then seek medical attention without delay.

Missed a Dose

It is ideal not to miss a dose. If you remember a missed dosage, take it instantly. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as per your regular dosage schedule. Do not take a higher dose or a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When a patient has begun the medication on Carvedilol or in the first few days after increasing a dose, it may worsen the symptoms, especially in the person has had or is having a heart failure or is taking water pills (tablets that cause excess urination). This is not a cause of concern and the dose should not be increased. Do not self-medicate with Carvedilol. This medicine should not be stopped abruptly. The dose has to be decreased gradually by your doctor, and its adjustments must be done under medical supervision. Kidney function, platelet counts and blood glucose are needed regularly. Carvedilol should not be consumed by children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Always take this medicine with food.

Carvedilol is one of the best medicines for your heart. It has fewer side effects than other medicines of its class (beta-blockers). Carvedilol is associated with the efficient heart functioning. It has a minimal impact on the heart rate and heart beats and can effectively control the blood pressure. This medicine is also beneficial for patients with diabetes and high cholesterol. Carvedilol reduces blood clot formation and frequency of heart attacks and is sometimes given in patients after a heart attack to prevent further complications.