Coreg (Carvedilol) for Heart Disease

Overview
Coreg is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of heart disease, specifically for managing mild to severe chronic heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack. It is often used alongside other medications, like diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and digitalis, to improve survival rates and reduce hospitalizations due to heart failure. The drug is also approved for treating hypertension (high blood pressure). Coreg is also known by its drug name, carvedilol.

Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that helps manage heart disease by reducing the heart rate and decreasing the heart’s workload. It works by blocking certain receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow, making it easier for the heart to pump blood effectively.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Coreg is taken orally as a tablet with food, which helps reduce the risk of side effects like dizziness. The dosing varies depending on the condition being treated.

For heart failure, treatment starts with a low dose, taken twice daily, and may be gradually increased every two weeks if tolerated. Those taking the medication should be monitored during dose adjustments to ensure they can handle the medication.

For left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack, Coreg is typically started at a low dose, taken twice daily, then gradually increased every three to 10 days based on an individual’s tolerance and stability.

For hypertension, Coreg is started at a low dose, taken twice daily, and can be increased after one to two weeks if needed to reach the desired blood pressure control.

It is important to take Coreg exactly as prescribed by a health care provider, without abrupt discontinuation, as this can lead to worsening of the condition.

Side effects
Common side effects of Coreg include dizziness, fatigue, hypotension (low blood pressure), diarrhea, weight gain, hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels), bradycardia (slower-than-normal heart rate).

Rare but serious side effects may include worsening heart failure, severe allergic reactions like angioedema (swelling), liver problems, and low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In some cases, it can also cause bronchospasm (difficulty breathing), especially in individuals with a history of lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Label: Coreg — Carvedilol Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed

Carvedilol — MedlinePlus