Carvedilol Consumer Drug Information

Why is this drug prescribed?
Cardevilol-Coreg lowers blood pressure and increases the output of the heart. It is prescribed for people with congestive heart failure to increase survival and reduce the need for hospitalization. Cardevilol-Coreg may be prescribed if you have survived a heart attack and now suffer from left ventricular dysfunction, a condition where the left side of the heart no longer pumps properly. It is also used to control high blood pressure. It is often used with other drugs.

What is the most important information I should know about Carvedilol-Coreg?
• Do not stop taking Carvedilol-Codeg without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
• If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using Carvedilol-Codeg. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using Carvedilol-Codeg.
• Carvedilol-Codeg can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Carvedilol-Codeg.
• Carvedilol-Codeg is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
• Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

How should I take this medicine?
Take Carvedilol-Codeg tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. It is best to take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed

What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from Carvedilol-Codeg can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

tiredness
lightheadedness
dizziness
body or leg swelling
headache
diarrhea
vision changes
joint pain
difficulty falling or staying asleep

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

fainting
difficulty breathing
weight gain
chest pain
slow, irregular heartbeat
abdominal pain
dark urine
yellowing of the skin or eyes
loss of consciousness
vomiting
loss of appetite
seizures
changes in blood sugar level
frequent urination
thirst
dry mouth
flushing
dry skin
sore throat, fever, cough, or other signs of infection

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone 1-800-332-1088.

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