1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

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).

To make sure you can safely take carvedilol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• diabetes (taking carvedilol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
• angina (chest pain);
• low blood pressure;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome); or
• a history of allergies.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carvedilol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking carvedilol.

How should I take carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Carvedilol works best if you take it with food.

Take carvedilol at the same time every day. Do not skip doses or stop taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

You may open the carvedilol capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

If you are switched from carvedilol tablets to carvedilol extended-release capsules (Coreg CR), your daily total dose of this medicine may be higher or lower than before. Older adults may be more likely to become dizzy or feel faint when switching from tablets to extended-release capsules. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using carvedilol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Carvedilol can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do not stop using carvedilol before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.