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What is the most important information I should know about carvedilol?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using carvedilol. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using carvedilol.

Do not stop taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Carvedilol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol within 2 hours before or after taking extended-release carvedilol (Coreg CR). Also avoid taking medicines or other products that might contain alcohol. Alcohol may cause the carvedilol in Coreg CR to be released too quickly into the body.

Carvedilol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What is carvedilol?

Carvedilol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.

Carvedilol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carvedilol?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

• severe liver disease; or

• a serious heart condition such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes (taking carvedilol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);

• low blood pressure;

• congestive heart failure;

• depression;

• kidney disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• myasthenia gravis;

• pheochromocytoma; or

• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. Carvedilol may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.