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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carteolol (Cartrol)?

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

• a history of asthma or severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
• 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 have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication:

• 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 or liver disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• myasthenia gravis;
• pheochromocytoma; or
• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carteolol is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether carteolol 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.

How should I take carteolol (Cartrol)?

Take carteolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take carteolol at the same time every day.

Do not skip doses or stop taking carteolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using carteolol. You may need to briefly stop using carteolol before having surgery.

Carteolol 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.

Store carteolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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