Carvedilol

About Carvedilol

Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure, chest pain (angina), and high blood pressure (hypertension).

How does Carvedilol work?

Carvedilol blocks the site of action on the heart for a chemical (norepinephrine) responsible for the contraction of the heart and the rate of heartbeats.

This reduces the work rate of the heart and reduces the oxygen demand of the heart muscles, which is helpful in chest pain. Blocking of this chemical also helps control the heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Carvedilol also widens your blood vessels to help lower your blood pressure.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Dizziness

  If you feel dizzy when taking carvedilol, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking it at night. You should sit down and rest for this effect to wear off.

• Headache

• Dry eyes

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Cold feeling in your fingers and toes.

  You can massage your fingers or place them under warm running water. Caffeine and smoking can worsen this side effect.

Useful information

You shouldn’t abruptly stop taking any high blood pressure medications. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if any side effects of medications become unbearable.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking carvedilol. Excess salt can cause hypertension. It is advisable to reduce your salt intake.

• You should not take carvedilol if you are an asthmatic.

• Alcohol can worsen dizzy side effects. Alcohol also worsens the control of high blood pressure. Consumption of alcohol is therefore not recommended.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

You must not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness while taking carvedilol.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Carvedilol isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

• Carvedilol hasn’t been proven to affect sexual performance. Some men may complain of reduced sex drive and difficulty getting erections.

  Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you encounter any problems. You must not stop taking your medications.

• Carvedilol doesn’t affect the effectiveness of contraceptives.

  Certain contraceptives are not recommended for women with high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any contraceptives long-term.

• Carvedilol has not been proven to affect fertility.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• You must not take carvedilol when pregnant unless prescribed by your doctor.

  Carvedilol can reduce the blood supply to your baby. Carvedilol can cause premature births and retard the growth of your unborn baby.

• Your doctor may prescribe carvedilol while you are breastfeeding. Carvedilol is secreted in breast milk. You should inform your doctor if you notice your baby becoming unusually sleepy or weak.