Carvedilol is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Carvedilol is also used to prevent further worsening of congestive heart failure. It is also used to treat left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. Left ventricular dysfunction occurs when the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) stiffens and enlarges and can cause the lungs to fill with blood.

Carvedilol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or more commonly, beta-blockers. Beta-blockers work by affecting the response to some nerve impulses in certain parts of the body. As a result, they decrease the heart's need for blood and oxygen by reducing its workload. They also help the heart to beat more regularly.

Carvedilol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You may take this medicine with food.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of cold, soft food such as an applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Allergy

chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness

dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

generalized swelling or swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs

pain

shortness of breath

slow heartbeat

weight gain

Less common

Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain

anxiety

arm, back, or jaw pain

blood in the urine

bloody, black or tarry stools

chills

cloudy urine

cold sweats

coma

confusion

convulsions

cool pale skin

cough

dark urine

decreased appetite

decreased frequency or amount of urine

depression

difficulty with breathing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying position

dry mouth

fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever

flu-like symptoms

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

headache, sudden and severe

inability to speak

increased blood pressure

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

itching

joint stiffness or swelling

large amount of cholesterol in the blood

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

lower back, side, or stomach pain

mental depression

muscle pain or cramps

nervousness

nightmares

noisy, rattling breathing

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

pounding, slow heartbeat

rapid breathing

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

stomachache

sweating

swelling of the fingers or hands

temporary blindness

tenderness on the upper right side of the body

trouble with breathing even at rest

unexplained weight loss

unusual bleeding or bruising

weakness in the arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

weakness or heaviness of the legs

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen or painful glands

wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain

diarrhea

prickling or tingling sensation

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

bleeding gums

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

changes in vision

cold hands and feet

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

decreased tearing

difficulty with moving

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

inability to have or keep an erection

increased sweating

joint or muscle pain

lack or loss of strength

loose teeth

loss of sexual ability, desire, or performance

loss of strength or energy

muscle aches, stiffness, or weakness

nausea

persistent breath odor or bad taste in your mouth

redness and swelling of the gums

sensation of spinning

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

sugar in the urine

trouble sleeping

unusual weak feeling

vomiting

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to allow for changes in the dose.

This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine, or when the dose is increased. Sitting or lying down may help alleviate these unwanted effects.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery or cataract surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine. A serious eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) has occurred in some patients who were taking this medicine or who had recently taken this medicine when they had cataract surgery.

For diabetic patients:

This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as a rapid pulse rate. Check with your doctor if you have these problems or if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.
For congestive heart failure patients:

Check with your doctor if you have unexplained weight gain or increased shortness of breath. These may be signs of a worsening of your condition.
For patients who wear contact lenses:

Carvedilol may cause your eyes to form tears less than they do normally. Check with your doctor if you have dry eyes.
Do not interrupt or stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can be dangerous.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.