Brand
name: DILATREND ( Carvedilol )
Pronounced: KOE-regg
Generic name: Carvedilol DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) (Eucardic, Carvedilol, Coreg)
Why is DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) prescribed?
DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) lowers blood pressure and increases the output of the heart.
It is prescribed for people with congestive heart failure to increase
survival and reduce the need for hospitalization. DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) may be prescribed
if you have survived a heart attack and now suffer from left ventricular
dysfunction, a condition where the left side of the heart no longer
pumps properly. It is also used to control high blood pressure. It
is often used with other drugs.
Most important fact about DILATREND ( Carvedilol )
In some people, DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) causes a drop in blood pressure when they first
stand up, resulting in dizziness or even fainting. If this happens,
sit or lie down and notify your doctor. Taking the drug with food reduces
the chance of this problem. Even so, during the first month of therapy,
or after a change in your dose, be careful about driving and operation
of dangerous machinery.
How should you take DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) (Eucardic, Carvedilol,
Coreg) without Rx/prescriptions?
Take DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) twice a day with food. If you are taking the drug for high
blood pressure, there should be improvement within 7 to 14 days.
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions
DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Keep the container tightly closed.
DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking DILATREND ( Carvedilol ).
* Side effects may include:
Anemia, back pain, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue,
fluid in the lungs, headache, increased blood sugar levels, increased cholesterol,
joint pain, low blood pressure, nausea, pain, shortness of breath, sinus
problems, slow heartbeat, swelling, upper respiratory infection, vision changes,
vomiting, weakness, weight gain, wheezing
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) (Eucardic, Carvedilol, Coreg)
fda approved
If DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) with any of the following:
Calcium channel blockers (blood pressure and heart medications such
as Calan, Cardizem, Isoptin, and Verelan)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Clonidine (Catapres)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Diabetes pills such as Diabinese, Glucophage, and Rezulin
Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil
and Parnate
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Insulin Paroxetine (Paxil) Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine (Quinaglute)
Reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) has not been adequately studied in pregnant women; and it is
not known whether the drug appears in breast milk. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, check with your doctor immediately.
Recommended dosage for DILATREND ( Carvedilol )
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
* Symptoms of DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) overdose may include:
Breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, seizures, heart problems, slow
heartbeat, very low blood pressure, vomiting.
Why should DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) not be prescribed?
Avoid DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) if you have asthma, certain serious heart conditions,
or liver disease. Do not take the drug if it causes an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about DILATREND ( Carvedilol )
DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) sometimes aggravates chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you
have either condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. You'll
need to use the drug cautiously. Report any weight gain or shortness
of breath to your doctor immediately.
Liver damage is a rare side effect of the drug. Notify your doctor
immediately if you develop these signs of liver disorder: appetite
loss, dark urine, flu-like symptoms, itching, pain in your side, or
yellowing of the skin. You will need to be switched from DILATREND ( Carvedilol ).
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes or low blood sugar.
DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) can interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes drugs and can
cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar
regularly, and report any changes to your doctor.
A few people starting DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) therapy for heart failure suffer dizziness,
light-headedness, or even fainting within an hour after taking each
dose. The problem is most likely to occur during the first 30 days
of treatment, and especially after a dosage increase. If DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) has
this effect on you, avoid driving or hazardous tasks for the hour following
each dose.
When DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) is taken for heart failure, there is also a slight chance
that it will interfere with the kidneys. If this reaction seems likely,
the doctor will monitor your kidney function and, if necessary, change
your dosage--or take you off the drug. Your heart failure may continue
to get worse during the first 3 months of treatment, possibly requiring
a temporary reduction in the dose of DILATREND ( Carvedilol ). After that, DILATREND ( Carvedilol )'s benefits
should begin to appear.
If you have circulation problems in the arms and legs, DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) may
aggravate your symptoms. Use it with care and report any changes to
your doctor.
Under no circumstances should you abruptly stop taking DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) on your
own. Notify the doctor if you miss even a few doses of DILATREND ( Carvedilol ). Your
symptoms could return with a vengeance; and if you have an overactive
thyroid, those symptoms could be aggravated as well. If needed, the
doctor will taper you off the drug gradually over a period of 1 to
2 weeks. During this time you should keep your physical activity to
a minimum. If your angina worsens or heart problems occur, notify your
doctor immediately; you may need to begin taking DILATREND ( Carvedilol ) again, at least
temporarily.
