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carvedilol
Used for Heart Failure, Hypertension
Used for Heart Failure, Hypertension
Carvedilol (Coreg) is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain heart problems after a heart attack. It comes as a tablet taken by mouth twice a day or an extended-release (ER) capsule (brand name Coreg CR) taken once a day. Common side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and diarrhea.
What is Carvedilol (Coreg)?
What is Carvedilol (Coreg) used for?
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Lower the risk of death from heart-related problems after a heart attack
How Carvedilol (Coreg) works
Carvedilol (Coreg) is an alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker, also known as a nonselective beta blocker. It works by blocking two types of receptors in your body. Blocking beta receptors slows your heart rate and reduces how hard your heart works, while blocking alpha-1 receptors relaxes your blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
Together, these effects help your heart work more efficiently, improve symptoms of heart failure, and lower the risk of death after a heart attack in certain people.
When does Carvedilol (Coreg) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Coreg, Coreg CR |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Beta blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Carvedilol (Coreg) essentials
Side effects of Carvedilol (Coreg)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
High blood pressure:
- Dizziness (6%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
- Slow heartbeat (2%)
- Trouble sleeping (2%)
- Low blood pressure when standing (2%)
Heart failure:
- Dizziness (up to 32%)
- Weakness (up to 24%)
- Low blood pressure (up to 14%)
- Diarrhea (up to 12%)
- Low blood sugar (up to 12%)
- Slow heartbeat (up to 10%)
After a heart attack:
- Similar to heart failure
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Dry eyes
- Joint pain
- Cough
- Vision problems
Carvedilol (Coreg) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Worsening heart failure: trouble breathing, fast weight gain, tiredness, chest pain, swelling of the arms and legs
- Severe breathing problems: wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing
When do Carvedilol (Coreg) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Dizziness
More on Carvedilol (Coreg) side effects
The following Carvedilol (Coreg) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Allergy
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
generalized swelling or swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs
shortness of breath
slow heartbeat
Less common
Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain
arm, back, or jaw pain
blood in the urine
bloody, black or tarry stools
chills
cloudy urine
cold sweats
coma
confusion
convulsions
cool pale skin
dark urine
decreased appetite
decreased frequency or amount of urine
difficulty with breathing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying position
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
flu-like symptoms
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
headache, sudden and severe
inability to speak
increased blood pressure
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
joint stiffness or swelling
large amount of cholesterol in the blood
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
lower back, side, or stomach pain
mental depression
muscle pain or cramps
nervousness
nightmares
noisy, rattling breathing
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
pounding, slow heartbeat
rapid breathing
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
stomachache
sweating
swelling of the fingers or hands
temporary blindness
tenderness on the upper right side of the body
trouble with breathing even at rest
unexplained weight loss
unusual bleeding or bruising
weakness in the arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
weakness or heaviness of the legs
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen or painful glands
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Abdominal or stomach pain
bleeding gums
blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
changes in vision
cold hands and feet
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
decreased tearing
difficulty with moving
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
inability to have or keep an erection
increased sweating
joint or muscle pain
lack or loss of strength
loose teeth
loss of sexual ability, desire, or performance
loss of strength or energy
muscle aches, stiffness, or weakness
persistent breath odor or bad taste in your mouth
redness and swelling of the gums
sensation of spinning
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stuffy or runny nose
sugar in the urine
trouble sleeping
unusual weak feeling
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Carvedilol (Coreg)
Pros
- Taken by mouth
- Available as twice-daily tablets or once-daily ER capsules
- Dose can be adjusted based on your response
- Available in different strengths
Cons
- Need to take with food
- Can cause dizziness, tiredness, and low blood pressure
- Can hide some warning signs of low blood sugar
- Not safe for people with asthma
Pharmacist tips for Carvedilol (Coreg)
- Take carvedilol (Coreg) with food to lower your risk of dizziness or low blood pressure, especially when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
- If you miss a dose of carvedilol (Coreg), take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual schedule. Don't take 2 doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
- Carvedilol (Coreg) can cause dizziness, especially when you first start treatment or after a dose increase. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often while taking carvedilol (Coreg). This medication can hide some signs of low blood sugar, especially a fast heartbeat, making it harder to notice when your blood sugar drops.
- Carvedilol (Coreg) can interact with several medications, so check with your care team before starting anything new. Medications such as digoxin, amiodarone, and diltiazem can raise your risk of a slow heart rate or low blood pressure. Others, such as fluoxetine and rifampin can change how much medication is in your body.
- Don't stop taking carvedilol (Coreg) or change your dose without talking to your prescriber. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious heart problems, including chest pain or a heart attack.
Immediate-release (IR) tablets
- Take the IR tablets twice a day with food, usually with breakfast and dinner. Spacing your doses throughout the day helps keep the medication working.
Extended-release (ER) capsules
- Take ER capsules once a day in the morning with food. The capsules slowly release medication throughout the day, so they don't need to be taken twice a day like the IR tablets.
- Swallow the ER capsules whole. Don't crush or chew the capsules or the beads inside because this can affect how the medication is released.
- If you have trouble swallowing the ER capsules, you can carefully open one and sprinkle all the beads onto a spoonful of cold applesauce. Eat the mixture right away without chewing the beads, and don't save any for later.
More on Carvedilol (Coreg) tips
Risks and warnings for Carvedilol (Coreg)
Carvedilol (Coreg) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Heart problems from suddenly stopping treatment
- Risk factors: Stopping carvedilol (Coreg) suddenly | Coronary artery disease (CAD) | History of chest pain
Don't stop taking carvedilol (Coreg) suddenly without talking to your prescriber. Stopping it too quickly can cause serious heart problems, including worsening chest pain (angina), irregular heartbeats, or even a heart attack.
If you need to stop carvedilol (Coreg), your prescriber will usually lower your dose slowly over 1 to 2 weeks. They might also recommend limiting physical activity during this time. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain or other serious heart symptoms.
Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
Carvedilol (Coreg) can cause your heart rate or blood pressure to drop too low. This can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, tired, or even faint. Your risk is higher when you first start treatment or after your dose is raised.
To lower your risk, take carvedilol (Coreg) with food and get up slowly from sitting or lying down. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly, especially when starting treatment or after a dose increase. Tell your care team if your heart rate drops below 55 beats per minute or you develop symptoms of low blood pressure, since your dose might need to be adjusted.
Worsening heart failure and fluid buildup
[EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME|||title]] is used to treat heart failure, but it can sometimes make the condition worse, especially when you first start treatment or your dose is raised. Only people with heart failure that's well controlled should take this medication.
Watch for signs of worsening heart failure, such as swelling in your ankles or legs, sudden weight gain, or trouble breathing. Contact your care team right away if you notice these symptoms. They might adjust your dose, change your water pill (diuretic), or temporarily stop carvedilol (Coreg) until your symptoms improve.
Breathing problems
- Risk factors: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Asthma | Emphysema
Carvedilol (Coreg) can cause your airways to tighten, making it harder to breathe. It's more likely to happen if you have breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. The medication can also make certain inhalers used to treat these conditions less effective.
Tell your prescriber about any breathing problems before starting carvedilol (Coreg). They might recommend a different medication or use the lowest dose that works for you. Contact your care team right away if you develop new or worsening wheezing or trouble breathing.
Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
- Risk factors: Diabetes | Fasting, skipping meals, not eating regularly | Vomiting
Carvedilol (Coreg) can hide some warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat or shaking. This can make it harder to notice when your blood sugar drops too low, especially if you take diabetes medications like insulin or glipizide. Sweating might still happen even when other warning signs are hidden. Check your blood sugar regularly, especially when starting treatment or changing your dose, and talk to your prescriber if your readings are different than usual.
Hidden symptoms of high thyroid hormone
- Risk factors: Hyperthyroidism | Suddenly stopping carvedilol (Coreg)
Carvedilol (Coreg) can hide signs of hyperthyroidism, especially a fast heart rate. It's important to talk to your prescriber before stopping carvedilol (Coreg) suddenly, since doing so can worsen thyroid problems.
Risk of kidney problems
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Low blood pressure | Heart disease | History of kidney problems
Carvedilol (Coreg) can rarely make your kidneys work less well, especially if you have heart failure. Your risk is higher if you have low blood pressure, heart disease, or existing kidney problems.
Your care team might check your kidney function with blood tests, especially when your dose is increased. If your kidney function gets worse, your prescriber might lower your dose or stop the medication.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of severe allergic reaction
If you've had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) before, taking carvedilol (Coreg) might make you more sensitive. The medication can also make epinephrine, a medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, work less well. Get emergency medical help right away if you develop swelling of your face or throat, trouble breathing, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Risks during surgery
- Risk factors: Major surgery requiring anesthesia
Both beta blockers and medications used for anesthesia can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you're taking carvedilol (Coreg) before surgery. You usually won't need to stop taking it, but your care team will decide how to manage your medication safely.
Eye problems during cataract surgery
If you're planning to have cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon that you're taking carvedilol (Coreg). In rare cases, this medication can cause changes to your iris (the colored part of your eye) during surgery, called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). You usually don't need to stop taking the medication before surgery, but your surgeon might need to adjust the procedure to keep your eye safe.
Carvedilol (Coreg) dosage
The average cost for 60 tablets of 25mg of Carvedilol (Coreg) is $11.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.95% off the average retail price of $14.22. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.125mg | 180 tablets | $18.92 | $0.11 |
| 6.25mg | 180 tablets | $19.17 | $0.11 |
| 12.5mg | 180 tablets | $19.83 | $0.11 |
| 25mg | 60 tablets | $11.81 | $0.20 |
Typical dosage for Carvedilol (Coreg)
Carvedilol (Coreg) comes as immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules.
High blood pressure
- IR tablets: The typical starting dose is 6.25 mg by mouth twice a day. If needed, your prescriber might raise your dose every 1 to 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 25 mg twice a day.
- ER capsules: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once a day in the morning. If needed, your prescriber might raise your dose every 1 to 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg once a day.
Heart failure
- IR tablets: The typical starting dose is 3.125 mg by mouth twice a day. If needed, your prescriber will raise your dose after 2 weeks or longer. Depending on your condition and weight, the maximum dose is up to 50 mg twice a day.
- ER capsules: The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth once a day in the morning. If needed, your prescriber will raise your dose after 2 weeks or longer. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg once a day.
After heart attack
- IR tablets: The typical starting dose is 6.25 mg by mouth twice a day. If needed, your prescriber will raise your dose after 3 to 10 days. The maximum recommended dose is 25 mg twice a day.
- ER capsules: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once a day in the morning. If needed, your prescriber will raise your dose after 3 to 10 days. The typical maintenance dose is 80 mg once a day.
More on Carvedilol (Coreg) dosage
Interactions between Carvedilol (Coreg) and other drugs
Carvedilol (Coreg) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Carvedilol (Coreg). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Carvedilol (Coreg) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Afatinib
- Albuterol
- Amiodarone
- Berotralstat
- Betrixaban
- Bupropion
- Ceritinib
- Crizotinib
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Digoxin
- Diltiazem
- Doxorubicin
- Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
- Dronedarone
- Epinephrine
- Fenoldopam
- Fingolimod
- Fluconazole
- Fluvoxamine
- Formoterol
- Indacaterol
- Iobenguane I 123
- Iobenguane I 131
- Iohexol
- Lacosamide
- Lefamulin
- Levalbuterol
- Miconazole
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nilotinib
- Olodaterol
- Oxymetazoline
- Paroxetine
- Pixantrone
- Ponesimod
- Relugolix
- Rimegepant
- Rivastigmine
- Salmeterol
- Siponimod
- Sulfaphenazole
- Talazoparib
- Terbutaline
- Topotecan
- Ubrogepant
- Valproic Acid
- Venetoclax
- Verapamil
- Vilanterol
- Vincristine
- Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
- Voriconazole
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acarbose
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Albiglutide
- Alfuzosin
- Alogliptin
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arbutamine
- Aspirin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Bunazosin
- Canagliflozin
- Celecoxib
- Chlorpropamide
- Choline Salicylate
- Cimetidine
- Clonixin
- Dapagliflozin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Dobutamine
- Doxazosin
- Droxicam
- Dulaglutide
- Empagliflozin
- Ertugliflozin
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Exenatide
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Insulin Aspart, Recombinant
- Insulin Degludec
- Insulin Detemir
- Insulin Glargine, Recombinant
- Insulin Glulisine
- Insulin Human Inhaled
- Insulin Human Isophane (NPH)
- Insulin Human Regular
- Insulin Lispro, Recombinant
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Linagliptin
- Liraglutide
- Lixisenatide
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Metformin
- Mibefradil
- Miglitol
- Morniflumate
- Moxisylyte
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nateglinide
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenoxybenzamine
- Phentolamine
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Pioglitazone
- Piroxicam
- Pramlintide
- Pranoprofen
- Prazosin
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Repaglinide
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Rofecoxib
- Rosiglitazone
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Saxagliptin
- Sitagliptin
- Sodium Salicylate
- St John's Wort
- Sulindac
- Tamsulosin
- Tenoxicam
- Terazosin
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolazamide
- Tolbutamide
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trimazosin
- Urapidil
- Valdecoxib
- Vildagliptin
How much does Carvedilol (Coreg) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Carvedilol (Coreg) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Carvedilol (Coreg) will not be safe for you to take.
- Asthma or other related breathing conditions
- Extremely slow heart rate
- Heart problems (e.g., certain types of heart block, heart failure, cardiac shock, sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker)
- Severe liver problems
What are alternatives to Carvedilol (Coreg)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Carvedilol (Coreg). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Carvedilol (Coreg) images
