Brand Names: Coreg, Coreg CR

Generic Name: carvedilol (Pronunciation: KAR ve dil ole)

• What is carvedilol (Coreg)?
• What are the possible side effects of carvedilol (Coreg)?
• What is the most important information I should know about carvedilol (Coreg)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carvedilol (Coreg)?
• How should I take carvedilol (Coreg)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Coreg)?
• What happens if I overdose (Coreg)?
• What should I avoid while taking carvedilol (Coreg)?
• What other drugs will affect carvedilol (Coreg)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is carvedilol (Coreg)?

Carvedilol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used after a heart attack that has caused your heart not to pump as well.

Carvedilol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carvedilol 12.5 mg-APO

oval, white, imprinted with APO, 12.5

Carvedilol 12.5 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, C33

Carvedilol 12.5 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 7295

Carvedilol 25 mg-APO

oval, white, imprinted with APO, C25

Carvedilol 25 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, C34

Carvedilol 25 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 93, 7296

Carvedilol 3.125 mg-APO

oval, white, imprinted with APO, C3

Carvedilol 3.125 mg-MYL

round, blue, imprinted with M, C31

Carvedilol 3.125 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 51

Carvedilol 6.25 mg-APO

oval, white, imprinted with APO, 6.25

Carvedilol 6.25 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, C32

Carvedilol 6.25 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 135

Coreg 12.5 mg

oval, white, imprinted with SB 4141

Coreg 25 mg

elliptical, white, imprinted with SB 4142

Coreg 3.125 mg

oval, white, imprinted with 39, SB

Coreg 6.25 mg

elliptical, white, imprinted with SB 4140

Coreg CR 10 mg

green/white, imprinted with GSK COREG CR, 10 mg

Coreg CR 20 mg

white/yellow, imprinted with GSK COREG CR, 20 mg

Coreg CR 40 mg

green/yellow, imprinted with GSK COREG CR, 40 mg

Coreg CR 80 mg

white, imprinted with GSK COREG CR, 80 mg

What are the possible side effects of carvedilol (Coreg)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• slow or uneven heartbeats;
• chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• numbness or cold feeling in your hands and feet;
• loss of bladder control;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss); or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• dry eyes;
• feeling weak or tired;
• joint pain;
• cough; or
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Coreg (carvedilol) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about carvedilol (Coreg)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using carvedilol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Avoid drinking alcohol within 2 hours before or after taking extended-release carvedilol (Coreg CR). Also avoid taking medicines or other products that might contain alcohol. Alcohol may cause the carvedilol in Coreg CR to be released too quickly into the body.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.