Carvedilol

About Carvedilol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers.

Carvedilol can be used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain).

High Blood Pressure: Carvedilol works by blocking the transmission of messages to the beta receptors in the heart which 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 blocking the transmission of messages to the beta receptors in the heart which slows down the activity of the heart and reduces the heart's need for oxygen. This makes angina attacks less likely to occur.

Carvedilol is also sometimes used alongside other medicine to treat heart failure.

Carvedilol is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Eucardic. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from low blood pressure or poor circulation
• if you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties
• if you suffer from diabetes
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take Carvedilol

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take your medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of carvedilol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside carvedilol.
• Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking carvedilol.
• It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
• Carvedilol may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Carvedilol may cause dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
• Carvedilol can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or a piece of ice. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If your mouth becomes too dry speak with your doctor.

Can Carvedilol cause problems?

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

Light-headedness, headache, extreme tiredness, upset stomach, dry eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision, sexual problem, problems urinating, flu-like symptoms, coldness or swelling of the extremities (figures and toes), shortness of breath, a stuffy nose, mood changes, disturbed sleep or pins and needles.

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

How to store Carvedilol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 02/04/2003