Carvedilol (er)10 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Carvedilol Summary 

Carvedilol is a beta-blocker used to treat heart failure and support heart function after a heart attack. It works by slowing your heart rate and relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. It’s important to take it exactly as prescribed- don’t stop suddenly, even if you feel better. Like all medications, it can have side effects, ranging from dizziness and fatigue to more serious issues, so regular check-ins with your doctor are key. 

Alongside medication, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Staying active, eating heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, oats, and bananas, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, and getting enough sleep all help manage blood pressure. These steps not only support your treatment but can improve your overall well-being too. 

Carvedilol Uses 

Carvedilol 10 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of non-selective beta blocker medicines. It is used for following indications: 

1. Heart failure 

Directions for use

1. Take carvedilol exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking carvedilol without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it. 

Carvedilol side effects

More Common

1. Allergy 
2. Chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness 
3. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting 
4. Generalized swelling or swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs 
5. Pain 
6. Slow heartbeat 
7. Trouble breathing 
8. Weight gain 

Less Common

1. Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain 
2. Anxiety 
3. Arm, back, or jaw pain 
4. Blood in the urine 
5. Bloody, black or tarry stools 
6. Chills 
7. Cloudy urine 
8. Cold sweats 
9. Coma 
10. Confusion 
11. Cool pale skin 
12. Cough 
13. Dark urine 
14. Decreased appetite 
15. Decreased frequency or amount of urine 
16. Depression 
17. Difficulty with breathing 
18. Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying position 
19. Dry mouth 
20. Fainting 
21. Fast or irregular heartbeat 
22. Fever 
23. Flu-like symptoms 
24. Flushed, dry skin 
25. Fruit-like breath odor 
26. Headache, sudden and severe 
27. Inability to speak 
28. Increased blood pressure 
29. Increased hunger 
30. Increased thirst 
31. Increased urination 
32. Itching 
33. Joint stiffness or swelling 
34. Large amount of cholesterol in the blood 
35. Loss of appetite 
36. Loss of consciousness 
37. Lower back, side, or stomach pain 
38. Mental depression 
39. Muscle pain or cramps 
40. Nervousness 
41. Nightmares 
42. Noisy, rattling breathing 
43. Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips 
44. Pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin 
45. Pounding in the ears 
46. Pounding, slow heartbeat 
47. Rapid breathing 
48. Seizures 
49. Shakiness 
50. Slurred speech 
51. Stomachache 
52. Sweating 
53. Swelling of the fingers or hands 
54. Temporary blindness 
55. Tenderness on the upper right side of the body 
56. Trouble with breathing even at rest 
57. Unexplained weight loss 
58. Unusual bleeding or bruising 
59. Weakness in the arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe 
60. Weakness or heaviness of the legs 
61. Yellow eyes or skin 

How Carvedilol works 

Carvedilol reduces blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. 

Safety Measures and Warning

1- Coronary Artery Disease

Patients taking carvedilol for the treatment of coronary artery disease should not discontinue the therapy midway and must complete the full course.

2- Pregnancy

It is safe to consume this medicine during pregnancy, as it does not cause any harm to the fetus.

3- Older Patients

Since older patients are more prone to adverse effects from carvedilol, doctors should be cautious when prescribing this medicine and should regularly monitor its effects.

Carvedilol Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking carvedilol 10 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Carvedilol Interaction with Food Product

Carvedilol does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of carvedilol. 

Storage

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture  
3. Keep away from the reach of children 

Carvedilol Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name- 

1-(9H-carbazol-4-yloxy)-3-{[2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino}propan-2-ol 

Intake routine/cycle 

Daily dose

Take carvedilol exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Though the actual toxic dose of carvedilol is not known but the symptoms of overdose include chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness and low heart rate. If someone you know is taking carvedilol and exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Dietary and Lifestyle Management

A few modifications in your diet and lifestyle can significantly help manage your blood pressure, to the point where your doctor may determine that medication is no longer necessary. Here are some dietary changes and lifestyle practices that can help you manage your blood pressure: 

1- Lose Weight

Weight gain is directly linked to higher blood pressure. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Pay attention to the weight around your waistline as well, excess weight in this area can be a significant risk factor for high blood pressure.

2- Regular Exercise

Exercise can lower your blood pressure by 5 to 8 mm Hg. Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity daily can significantly help reduce your blood pressure. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing are all effective in keeping your blood pressure under control.

3- Eat Healthy

Choosing a healthy diet not only helps lower your blood pressure but also offers numerous other health benefits. Incorporate the following foods into your diet to help reduce your blood pressure: 

1. Carrots 
2. Spinach 
3. Bananas 
4. Beetroot 
5. Watermelon 
6. Oats 
7. Green leafy vegetables 
8. Garlic 
9.  Daal (Lentils) 
10. Yogurt 
11. Pomegranates  

4- Quit or limit alcohol consumption

The kidney is responsible for maintaining the salt and water balance in our body and producing a hormone called renin, which helps regulate blood pressure. Alcohol damages the kidneys, disrupting their normal functioning. To protect your health, it is best to quit alcohol or, at the very least, limit your intake.

5- Quit Smoking

Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to protect your heart and overall health. 

6- Increase your sleep duration

Lack of sleep forces your heart to work harder, causing your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for those with elevated blood pressure.

FAQ’s

1- Can carvedilol cause weight gain? 

Yes, carvedilol can cause weight gain, as it is one of its common symptoms. However, this is typically observed in individuals who have taken carvedilol for a long time. 

2- Can carvedilol cause shortness of breath? 

Yes, carvedilol can cause shortness of breath or trouble breathing, which is one of its common side effects. 

3- Which is better: carvedilol or amlodipine? 

Amlodipine is generally preferred for managing primary hypertension due to its strong BP-lowering effect and good tolerability. Carvedilol is used more often in patients with heart failure or post-MI, not as a first-line antihypertensive. 
The choice depends on the clinical context and comorbid conditions. 

4- When should carvedilol be taken?

If you are taking carvedilol for heart failure, take the medicine without food; otherwise, you can take the medicine once a day, at the same time every 24 hours. 

Reference

1. Healthline. Carvedilol (Oral Tablet). Healthline [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 19]. Available from. 
2. Verma U, Bano G, Mohan Lal B, Sharma KP, Sharm R. Antihypertensive efficacy of carvedilol and amlodipine in patients of mild to moderate hypertension–a comparative study. JK science. 2004;6(4):193-6. Available from. 
3. NHS. How and when to take carvedilol. NHS [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Dec 19]. Available from. 
4. Singh S, Preuss CV. Carvedilol. [Updated 2024 Jan 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from. 
5. Mayo Clinic. Carvedilol (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024 [cited 2024 Dec 20]. Available from. 
6. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, Casey DE Jr, Collins KJ, Dennison Himmelfarb C, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Hypertension. 2018 Jun;71(6):e13–e115. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065. Available from. 

Mahak Phartyal

Mahak Phartyal completed her bachelor’s in pharmacy from Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University. She previously worked as a Medical Writer at Meril Life Sciences, where she wrote numerous scientific abstracts for conferences such as India Live 2024 and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). During her college years, she developed a keen research interest and published an article titled “Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Physicochemical and Fluorescence Analysis of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Syzygium cumini Leaves.