What Is Carvedilol Used For? Pharmacists Answer 7 FAQs

Carvedilol (Coreg) is a commonly prescribed beta blocker. It's an oral medication that comes in two forms: immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules (Coreg CR).

If you're prescribed carvedilol, knowing a few facts about it can help keep you safe. This includes dosage information, possible side effects, and potential interactions. But many people have more questions about taking carvedilol. Here, we'll discuss what carvedilol is used for, how it works, and more.

1. Is carvedilol a beta blocker?

Yes, carvedilol is a beta blocker. All beta blockers treat heart-related health conditions. Some have additional uses.

Beta blockers share several similarities. These include possible side effects, such as low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, and fatigue. They also have some common drug interactions. For example, they can interact with medications that slow down heart rate, such as certain calcium channel blockers. They also interact with alcohol, so it's best to avoid drinking alcohol with all beta blockers.

Despite their similarities, beta blockers also have differences. This includes some drug interactions. Some beta blockers work differently than others, and each has its own dosage recommendations.

If you need a beta blocker, your prescriber will determine whether carvedilol or another beta blocker is best for you. Carvedilol and metoprolol are both first-choice beta blockers for treating heart failure. But one may be preferred over another in certain situations. For example, metoprolol may increase blood glucose (sugar), which can be a problem if you have diabetes. So carvedilol may be preferred in this situation.

2. What is carvedilol used for?

Carvedilol medications are FDA approved for the following health conditions and situations:

• Heart failure

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• To prevent death after a heart attack

Carvedilol may also be prescribed off-label for several uses, including chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Although carvedilol is a treatment option for several health conditions, this doesn't mean it's always the best choice. For example, carvedilol isn't a first-choice medication for hypertension. But it is a first choice option for heart failure. So if you have hypertension and heart failure, carvedilol may be a good option.

3. How does carvedilol work?

Carvedilol is a nonselective beta blocker. This means it blocks multiple receptors found in different parts of the body, including:

• Beta-1 receptors, which are primarily in the heart

• Beta-2 receptors in the heart, blood vessels, and airways

• Alpha receptors in the blood vessels

By blocking these receptor types, carvedilol has several actions, including:

• Dilates (widens) blood vessels throughout the body, which improves blood flow, lowers your blood pressure, and decreases how hard your heart has to work

• Slows down heart rate, which helps the heart work more efficiently

• Lowers inflammation and increases antioxidants, which may be beneficial for heart conditions

Blocking multiple receptor types makes carvedilol different from "selective" beta blockers like metoprolol (which primarily block beta-1 receptors in the heart). This explains some key differences between carvedilol and selective beta blockers like metoprolol. Carvedilol may lower blood pressure more than metoprolol because of its effects on blood vessels. And because carvedilol binds to receptors in the lungs, it's more likely than metoprolol to cause wheezing if you have asthma.

4. How long does it take carvedilol to work?

Carvedilol may start working within 1 to 2 hours. Carvedilol ER takes a bit longer, usually within 5 hours.

Although carvedilol starts having effects within hours, it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to see its full effects. And it can also take some time to find the right dose for you. Carvedilol is often started at a lower dose and increased over several weeks if needed.

Taking carvedilol with food slows down its absorption. And this is a good thing, because it helps prevent large drops in blood pressure after you take a dose, avoiding symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness. That's why it's best to take carvedilol IR and carvedilol ER with food.

5. Is carvedilol safe?

When used correctly, carvedilol is considered safe for most people to take. But all medications have risks. Carvedilol side effects include hypotension, dizziness, and fatigue. Nausea, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction are also possible.

For most people, side effects are mild and resolve on their own after a few days. But if you have worsening or severe side effects, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling, contact your healthcare team right away. If your symptoms feel severe, seek emergency care.

6. Does carvedilol cause weight gain or weight loss?

Yes, beta blockers like carvedilol can cause weight gain. Weight loss isn't common.

Beta blockers are thought to cause weight gain in several ways, including slowing down your metabolism. They also cause fatigue, which can make exercising harder, making it more difficult to keep a healthy weight.

Although all beta blockers may cause weight gain, carvedilol may be less likely than others to cause this side effect. And weight gain is limited to a few pounds in most cases.

Still, to prevent or minimize weight gain from beta blockers, eat a heart-healthy diet and exercise regularly. The DASH diet or Mediterranean diet might be good options for you. Other ways to manage your weight include keeping a food diary or using a weight-management app.

If you experience rapid weight gain with carvedilol, this may be a sign of worsening heart failure. Contact your healthcare team immediately if you gain more than 2 to 3 lbs in a day or more than 5 lbs in a week. Other signs to watch for include swelling in your legs, feet, and ankles. If your symptoms feel severe, seek emergency care.

7. What happens if you stop taking carvedilol?

Don't stop taking a beta blocker abruptly without talking to your prescriber. This can cause withdrawal symptoms. This is also true for many other blood pressure medications. Withdrawal symptoms after stopping carvedilol suddenly can include:

• High blood pressure

• Fast heartbeat

• Chest pain

• Anxiety

• Swelling in the legs and feet

More seriously, stopping a beta blocker abruptly can cause a heart attack.

Many people who take beta blockers like carvedilol will do best taking it indefinitely. But if you need to stop taking carvedilol, work with your prescriber. They can help you safely stop your medication. And they may recommend replacing it with another medication.

How to save on carvedilol

Carvedilol IR and ER are available as generic medications. You may be able to save on your prescription with:

• GoodRx.Generic carvedilol IR may be as low as $10.20, and generic carvedilol ER may be as low as $71.79, with a free GoodRx coupon.

• Copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance and meet eligibility requirements, brand-name Coreg IR and Coreg CR are as little as $5 with a manufacturer's savings card.