Coreg CR (Carvedilol Phosphate)

Do’s

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly regarding dosage and timing. Coreg CR is typically taken once daily in the morning with food.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Don't crush or chew it.
• If swallowing the capsule is difficult, open it and sprinkle the beads onto cool, smooth applesauce. Swallow the mixture immediately without chewing. Don't prepare it ahead of time.
• Take Coreg CR consistently, ideally at the same time each day, for maximum benefit.
• It might take 1-2 weeks to experience the full blood pressure lowering effect.
• High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so keep taking Coreg CR as prescribed even if you feel good.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens. This includes high blood pressure readings remaining high, or worsening heart failure symptoms like increased shortness of breath.

Don'ts

• Don't change your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Avoid crushing or chewing the capsule, as it alters the medication's release.
• Don't prepare the applesauce mixture with Coreg CR beads in advance. Make it just before taking the medication.
• Don't suddenly stop taking Coreg CR without talking to your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Diarrhea
• Slow heartbeats
• Weight gain
• Dry eyes
• Problems wearing contact lenses
• Runny nose/sore throat
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Faintness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Dry eyes

Serious Side Effects:

• Rare but serious allergic reactions, including hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Coreg cr,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have and your medical history, especially:

Heart rhythm problems

• Breathing problems
• Heart failure
• Liver or kidney disease
• Blood circulation problems
• Allergies needing epinephrine
• Thyroid problems
• Certain tumors
• Other heart problems
• Muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
• Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)

Coreg CR may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or risky activities until you know how you react.

Alcohol and marijuana can worsen dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider.

Contact lens wearers may experience dry eyes.

Inform your healthcare provider about Coreg CR use before surgery.

Coreg CR may mask symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and be aware of other hypoglycemia symptoms (sweating, dizziness).

Coreg CR may make it harder to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Regular blood sugar monitoring and adjustments to diabetes medications, exercise, or diet might be necessary.

Children are at higher risk for low blood sugar while taking Coreg CR. Ensure regular meals and discuss any vomiting or low blood sugar symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Older adults may be more sensitive to dizziness and lightheadedness.

Coreg CR can harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy while taking it. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant.

It is unknown if Coreg CR passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Do not stop taking Coreg CR without consulting your healthcare provider. Sudden withdrawal can worsen some conditions. Your healthcare provider may gradually decrease the dose over time.

When stopping Coreg CR, limit physical activity to reduce strain on the heart. Seek immediate medical help for chest pain, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat.