Carvedilol - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain types of heartbeat/heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), severe heart failure requiring hospitalization, liver disease, kidney disease, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma), other heart problems (such as Prinzmetal's variant angina), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause you to faint. This is most likely to occur within 1 hour after taking your dose, especially when you start carvedilol treatment or any time your doctor increases your dose. During these periods, avoid driving and doing hazardous tasks. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

People who wear contact lenses may have dry eyes while taking this medication.

Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product may also make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, feed children on a regular schedule. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, seizures), stop this medication and tell the doctor right away.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and lightheadedness.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is unknown if carvedilol passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to pass into breast milk in large amounts. There is a low risk that it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.