Carvedilol

What is Carvedilol for?

Carvedilol belongs to a group of medications known as beta-blockers.

Beta-blockers are usually used in the treatment of different conditions such as

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Reduce chest pain/ discomfort (Angina)
• Heart failure, a condition where the heart is weak and is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
• Heart attack
• Reduce symptoms such as tremors and fast heart rate in people with hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of thyroid hormone.
• Migraine, a type of headache

How should I take or use Carvedilol?

• Do not stop taking your medication without first checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• If you have been taking this medication regularly for several weeks or more, do not stop this medication suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. Stopping your medication suddenly may worsen your condition.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Carvedilol?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Carvedilol?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have asthma or other breathing problems – this medication may worsen or cause an asthma attack.
• You have pre-diabetes or diabetes - this medication may hide symptoms of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat or tremors. You may need to check your blood sugar more closely.

What are some common side effects of Carvedilol?

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
• Coldness, numbness or tingling sensation of your fingers or toes
• Feeling weak and tired, and that your heart beats slower
• Shortness of breath
• Problems with sexual intercourse

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Carvedilol?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Throw away all expired medications

How do I throw away Carvedilol safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.