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Carvedilol(KAR-ve-dil-ole) NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL) Ventricular tachycardia, prevention of recurrence and sudden death ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL) High blood pressure, mild to severe heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction following a myocardial infarction BRAND NAME Coreg DRUG CLASS Alpha-/beta-adrenergic blocker DESCRIPTION Carvedilol blocks a type of cell membrane, called beta-adrenergic receptors, in the heart to stabilize heart rate and reduce blood pressure. POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS Low blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, changes in blood glucose, weight gain, diarrhea, weakness, low heart rate, headache, fever, increased liver function tests, gout, nausea, vomiting, impotence, back pain, joint pain, muscle aches, blurred vision, abnormal renal function, albuminuria, increased cough. CAUTIONS
This drug is metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes). Several other drugs interfere with these liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of carvedilol from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. When these drugs are given in combination with carvedilol, dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product. FOOD INTERACTIONS Garlic HERBAL INTERACTIONS Dong quai, ephedra, yohimbe, and ginseng PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C (manufacturer); D (2nd and 3rd trimesters — expert analysis). |