Carvedilol

Carvedilol tablets belong to a group of medicines known as beta-blockers. This medication can be used on its own or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Carvedilol works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. It does this by slowing down your heart rate, and making your heart beat with less force. This makes it easier for your heart to pump your blood around your body, which lowers your blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .

High blood pressure is added workload to the heart and arteries. If this added  pressure continues for a long period of 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. With controlled treatment of high blood pressure these problems may be less likely to occur.

Emergency supply of Carvedilol:

Carvedilol is a prescription only medicine and should only be purchased if an emergency supply is required.  You will need to fill out a questionnaire, which is then reviewed to make sure Carvedilol is a suitable treatment for you.

Warnings and Precautions

Always take this medication exactly as directed by a healthcare professional.

Keep out of sight and Reach of children.

If you are taking any new medications even over the counter medicines whilst taking Carvedilol you should make your GP aware to prevent interactions.

Some patients experience spells of dizziness while taking Carvedilol tablets. Make sure this does not apply to you before driving a car or working with machinery.

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.

Carvedilol must be used exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are unsure contact your GP.

Recommended dose is usually:

6.25(mg) twice a day.

Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.

However, the dose usually wont be more than 25 mg twice a day.

It should be taken at the same time each day, with a glass of water.

Very common side effects:

Note: These are usually mild and occur mainly at the beginning of treatment.

• headache,
• dizziness,
• fatigue and weakness

Common side effects:

• postural hypotension,
• bradycardia,
• hypotension and fluid retention,
• asthma and difficulty breathing in predisposed patients,
• gastrointestinal complaints with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain,
• hyperglycaemia in patients with previously existing diabetes mellitus (increased amount of sugar in the blood) and increased cholesterol in the blood,
• pain in the extremities,
• decreased tearing, eye irritation, and vision abnormalities

Any concerns or queries regarding any side effects this medicine has caused or could cause you can call your GP or our pharmacist.

If you have any severe side effects seek medical assistance as soon as possible.