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Carvedilol

Brand names: Coreg, Coreg CR

Carvedilol is a beta blocker that slows the heart and relaxes blood vessels. It's used for heart failure, high blood pressure, and after a heart attack.

Brand namesCoreg, Coreg CR
Type of medicineBeta blocker
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks adrenaline's effects on the heart and blood vessels, which lowers the heart's workload.

In heart failure, it's started at a low dose and raised slowly over weeks.

What it's used for

  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart weakness after a heart attack

How to take it

  • Take it with food to lower dizziness.
  • Swallow extended-release capsules whole.
  • Don't stop suddenly. Stopping fast can cause chest pain or a heart attack.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Tiredness
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Weight gain
  • Diarrhea
Call 911Chest pain, fainting, or a very slow heartbeat
Call 911Wheezing or trouble breathing
Call your provider todayFast weight gain, swelling in the legs, or worse shortness of breath

Warnings

  • It can hide signs of low blood sugar.
  • Use with caution in asthma or COPD.
  • Heart failure symptoms may feel slightly worse at first. Weigh yourself daily.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Other heart-rate medicines (diltiazem, verapamil, digoxin, amiodarone) can slow the heart too much.
  • Insulin and diabetes pills: watch for hidden low blood sugar.
  • Clonidine: stopping either needs a careful plan.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.