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Introduction
of Carvedilol
Carvedilol is used
in combination with other medications to treat heart
failure. It also is used alone or in combination with other
medications to treat high blood pressure. Carvedilol is a
combination of two classes of drugs called beta-blockers and
alpha-blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so
your heart does not have to pump as hard.
Carvedilol comes as
a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day
with food. You will start out taking a low dose of carvedilol,
and your doctor will increase your dose every 1 to 2 weeks
until you are taking a dose that works well for you. When you
start carvedilol and whenever your doctor increases your dose
you will be closely watched to make sure the dose is not too
high for you. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take carvedilol exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Carvedilol controls
high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them.
Your blood pressure should lower within 30 minutes and your
symptoms of heart failure should begin to improve within the
first hour of beginning carvedilol. Continue taking carvedilol
even if you feel well. Do not stop taking carvedilol without
talking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping carvedilol can
worsen your symptoms. Your doctor will probably want to
decrease your dose gradually over 1 to 2 weeks.
Side Effects of Carvedilol
Side effects from
carvedilol can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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
Storage Conditions for Carvedilol
Keep this medication
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach
of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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