Carvedilol use and dosage information

What is carvedilol?

Carvedilol is a medication prescribed for treating hypertension or heart attacks. Carvedilol is also prescribed after a heart attack to increase survival chances, should the heart not be pumping well.

How does carvedilol work?

Carvedilol belongs to a class of medications known as alpha and beta-blockers.

Carvedilol works by blocking the action of substances in the body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels, effectively lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

How do I use carvedilol?

Some common side effects of carvedilol include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness tiredness, or impotence. These symptoms should resolve as your body gets used to this medicine, however, you should inform your doctor as they occur.

Other side effects include:

· Decreased blood flow to the hands and feet causing them to feel cold

· severe dizziness

· Slow heartbeat

· dizziness

· Fainting

· unusual weakness

· Decrease in the amount of urine

· Numbness or tingling of hands or feet

· easy bruising

· mood shifts

· Seizures

· swelling of ankles or feet

· Sudden weight gain

Should you notice any of these symptoms or they get worse, inform your doctor.

Can I use alcohol/marijuana while using carvedilol?

Using alcohol or marijuana with carvedilol could worsen the effects of drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased blood flow to the hands and feet.

Inform your doctor about alcohol or marijuana use before using this medication.

Can I use carvedilol while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Carvedilol is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby.

Also, this medication can cause undesirable effects in infants, thus you should inform your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What foods should I avoid while taking Carvedilol?

Generally, it is advised that you should avoid foods high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, or sodium while using carvedilol as DME negate or reduce the effect of the medication.

Also, consuming grapefruit juice or grapefruit may increase the blood levels of carvedilol.

Alcohol and caffeine may reduce the effects of carvedilol however, alcohol may worsen symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness.