What is this medicine?
CARVEDILOL (KAR ve dil ol) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart problems after a heart attack.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-circulation problems
-diabetes
-history of heart attack or heart disease
-liver disease
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
-pheochromocytoma
-slow or irregular heartbeat
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to carvedilol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-sotalol
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-cimetidine
-clonidine
-cyclosporine
-digoxin
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-medicines for depression like fluoxetine and paroxetine
-medicines for diabetes
-medicines to control heart rhythm like propafenone and quinidine
-reserpine
-rifampin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
Contact your doctor or health care professional if you have difficulty breathing while taking this drug.
Check your weight daily. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you should notify him/her of any weight gain.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed. Tell your doctor if you have changes in your blood sugar while you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-dark urine
-slow or irregular heartbeat
-swollen legs or ankles
-vomiting
-yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-change in sex drive or performance
-diarrhea
-dry eyes (especially if wearing contact lenses)
-dry, itching skin
-headache
-nausea
-unusually tired
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
