Carvedilol - Some Benefits on Usage of Carvedilol

Carvedilol - Guidelines for Using Carvedilol - Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Drug used to lower high blood pressure; antihypertensive; alpha/betaA­adrenergic blocking agent.

How the Carvedilol Product Works:

Carvedilol lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood pressure and pulse rate.

Uses of The Carvedilol:

For the management of high blood pressure. It can be used alone or in combination with other anti hypertensive drugs such as thiazide diuretics ("water pills").

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe carvedilol for congestive heart failure, chest pain (angina pectoris) or idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Precautions:

Diabetes: These products can mask signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and alter blood sugar levels. It may be necessary for your doctor to alter your dose of diabetic medications while you are taking this medicine.

Bronchospasm, nonallergic (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema): In general, patients with bronchospastic disease should not take carvedilol. However, carvedilol may be used with caution in patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other high blood pressure drugs. Use the lowest possible dose in these cases.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is know if carvediol appears in breast milk consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children under 18 years of age have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over- the-counter or prescription medications while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine:

Calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine)

Catecholamine-depleting agents (eg, reserpine, MAOls)

Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)

Clonidine (eg, Catapres)

Digoxin (eg, Lanoxin)

Insulin oral hypoglycemics (eg, sulfonylureas)

Rifampin (eg, Rifadin)

Side Effects of Carvedilol:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend upon many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain; diarrhea.

Nervous System: Dizziness; sleeplessness; drowsiness; fatigue.

Circulatory System: Slow heart rate; postural hypotension (dizziness or light headedness when rising from a sitting or lying position); swelling of the lower legs.

Other: Runny nose; sore throat; difficulty breathing; back pain; infections; unusual bleeding or bruising.

Guidelines for Use:

Use exactly as prescribed.

Take with food to reduce lightheadedness when rising or standing.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not stop taking this medicine or change the dose without checking with your doctor; this could cause serious adverse effects.

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (especially when rising or standing). If these symptoms should occur, sit or lie down and contact your doctor. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.

Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired and run down for a few weeks after beginning therapy. It takes time for the body to adjust to lowered blood pressure. The full effect may take 7 to 14 days. Continue taking your medication even though you may not feel quick "normal." Check with your doctor or pharmacist during this time regarding any new symptoms that occur to assure that these new feelings are a normal consequence of changes in blood pressure.

If itching, dark urine, appetite loss, yellowing of skin or eyes, pain in the upper right side or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Dose adjustments may be required after checking blood pressure. Be sure to keep appointments.

Contact lens wearers may notice decreased tearing (dry eyes).

Store at room temperature (59A° to 86A° F) away from moisture and light.