Coreg CR
Generic Name: Carvedilol
What is Coreg CR?
Coreg CR is used to treat certain types of heart failure, high blood pressure, and/or a heart attack that reduces how well the heart pumps (left ventricular dysfunction, or LVD).What is the most important information I should know about Coreg CR?
If you are taking Coreg CR, do not suddenly stop taking it, as this may lead to chest pain and, in some cases, heart attack. If your doctor decides that you should stop taking Coreg CR, he or she will slowly reduce your dose over a period of time before stopping it completely.Coreg CR may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar or may alter blood sugar levels. If you have high blood sugar, you should report any changes in blood sugar levels to your doctor right away.
Coreg CR also may hide the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), such as a rapid heart rate.
If you develop any signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as weight gain or shortness of breath, notify your doctor immediately.
If you feel new or worsening leg pain that occurs when you walk and goes away at rest, a numbness in your legs while you are resting, or cold legs and/or feet, notify your doctor at once.
Who should not take Coreg CR?
Do not take Coreg CR if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.Do not take Coreg CR if you have severe liver problems or breathing problems.
If you have severe heart failure and use certain injectable medications to treat a slow or irregular heartbeat, you should not use this drug.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Coreg CR?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Coreg CR. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have severe liver impairment, breathing problems, severe slow heart rate, high blood sugar, low blood pressure, any heart problems, problems with blood flow in your feet and/or legs, thyroid problems, have a condition known as pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor that develops in the adrenal gland), suffered from severe allergic reactions, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are scheduled for a surgery requiring the use of anesthetics.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Blood Pressure
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 milligrams (mg) once daily and should be maintained for 7-14 days. If needed, your doctor may raise your dose every 1 or 2 weeks to a maximum of 80 mg once daily.
Heart Failure
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily for 2 weeks. If needed, your daily dose may be increased to 20, 40, or 80 mg over successive intervals of at least 2 weeks.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following a Heart Attack
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase the dosage after 3-10 days to 40 mg once daily. Based on your response, your doctor may again increase the dose up to a maximum of 80 mg once a day.
How should I take Coreg CR?
Take Coreg CR once daily in the morning with food. The capsules should be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed.If you have problems swallowing Coreg CR capsules, carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the beads over a spoonful of applesauce and eat it right away. The applesauce should not be warm. Do not sprinkle the capsule beads on foods other than applesauce.
What should I avoid while taking Coreg CR?
Do not interrupt or discontinue Coreg CR treatment without speaking to your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to worsening of your symptoms.Avoid driving or engaging in potentially hazardous tasks until you know how Coreg CR affects you.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Coreg CR?
If Coreg CR is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Coreg CR with any of the following: clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, diltiazem, fluoxetine, glipizide, glyburide, insulin, isocarboxazid, metformin, paroxetine, phenelzine, propafenone, reserpine, selegiline, quinidine, and verapamil.What are the possible side effects of Coreg CR?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: shortness of breath, a slow heartbeat, diarrhea, weight gain, fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, faintness, dry eyes
Can I receive Coreg CR if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Coreg CR during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Coreg CR?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Coreg CR?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
