Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Carvedilol

Print this page

Carvedilol

  • Carvedilol belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers and is used to treat a number of different problems.
  • Take these tablets regularly and do not stop taking them without speaking with your doctor first.
  • If you buy any cough or cold remedies, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside carvedilol.

About carvedilol

Type of medicineBeta-adrenoceptor blocker (also known as a beta-blocker)
Used forHypertension
Angina
Heart failure
Also calledEucardic®
Available asTablets

This belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers. Carvedilol can be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and alongside other medicines to treat heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced).

High blood pressure
Carvedilol slows down the activity of the heart, decreasing blood pressure.

Angina
Angina is caused by a lack of oxygen getting to the heart. Carvedilol works by slowing down the activity of the heart and reducing the heart's need for oxygen. This makes angina attacks less likely to occur.

Heart failure
Carvedilol works by blocking the transmission of messages to the beta receptors in the heart, which slows down the activity of the heart and is of benefit in some types of heart failure.

Before taking carvedilol

Before taking carvedilol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
  • If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties.
  • If you have bradycardia (a slow heartbeat)
  • If you have sugar diabetes.
  • If you suffer from psoriasis (a skin disorder).
  • If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
  • If you have heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you have Prinzmetal's angina (a type of chest pain).
  • If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take carvedilol

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take these tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. Depending on the reason you are taking carvedilol, they are taken once- or twice-daily. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you.
  • Carvedilol tablets are available in a number of different strengths. Check the strength of the tablets when you collect a new supply to make sure they are what you are expecting.
  • Try to take carvedilol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly as carvedilol can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Before buying any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside carvedilol.

Can carvedilol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Dizziness, lightheadednessGetting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor
Drowsiness, tiredness, problems with your sightMake sure your reactions and vision are normal before driving, using machinery or doing any other things which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoeaEat little and often. Stick to simple foods and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store carvedilol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Eucardic® 25, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2008, accessed October 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3580DocRef: dils3053Last Reviewed: 15 Feb 2010Version: 22
Provide feedback