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Chemical Name: CARVEDILOL (KAR-ve-dil-ole)
This medicine is an alpha- and nonselective beta-blocker used to treat high
blood pressure and heart failure. This medicine is also used after a heart
attack to improve survival. It may also be used to treat other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if
you are taking amiodarone, barbiturates, birth control pills, cimetidine,
cyclosporine, decongestants, disopyramide, flecainide, hydralazine, indomethacin,
insulin, mefloquine, nateglinide, phenothiazines, prazosin, quinidine,
repaglinide, rifampin, verapamil, medicine for asthma, medicine for diabetes, or
medicine for thyroid conditions. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions including low heart rate, certain lung problems such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, certain types uncontrolled congestive heart
failure, liver problems, diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE
OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of extremely low heart
rate, heart block, shock caused by heart failure, serious liver disease, or
asthma. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns
about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS
MEDICINE with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F
(30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Take this medicine
regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same
time(s) each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even
if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE,
take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are
allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE
without checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the
medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid
side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking
this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE,
OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything
else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.
BEFORE TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check
with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds
or congestion. IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS INSTRUCTED YOU TO CHECK your blood pressure
and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so. Ask your pharmacist for help if you
are unsure how to accurately measure your blood pressure or heart rate. FOR
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this
medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check
blood glucose levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of
your diabetes medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may occur while taking this medicine include slow heartbeat,
diarrhea, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness or trouble sleeping, unusual
tiredness or weakness, dry eyes (especially if you wear contact lenses), or a
change in vision. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience very slow heartbeat; severe
dizziness; fainting; unusual bruising or bleeding; reddened; blistered or
swollen skin; increased thirst; increased urination; chest pain or tightness; or
bluish discoloration of hands or feet. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience symptoms of worsening heart failure such as shortness of breath,
cough, swelling, or unusual weight gain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine
is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heart rate, severe
dizziness, fainting, weakness, and difficult or slowed breathing.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
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