CARVEDILOL-ORAL (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, dry eyes, or vision problems as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a very slow heartbeat (e.g., persistent dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue), fainting, bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, decreased sexual ability, reversible hair loss, mental/mood changes, worsening of heart failure symptoms (e.g., cough, trouble breathing, sudden weight gain), change in the amount of urine, increased thirst, increased urination. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, persistent nausea. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: asthma, certain types of irregular heartbeats (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block), cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure (overt or decompensated type), liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other breathing problems (e.g., chronic obstructive lung disease), other heart problems (e.g., Prinzmetal's variant angina), diabetes, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), kidney disease, blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease), skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. If you have diabetes, this medication may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness or sweating are unaffected by this drug. This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or faint, especially when you first start using this drug or if your doctor increases your dose. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. The manufacturer recommends avoiding these activities during periods of adjustment in your dose. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Taking this medication with food will also help decrease these effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness and lightheadedness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks (e.g., low birth weight) and benefits with your doctor. Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
- atenolol, Tenormin - Learn more about Atenolol, including common side effects, drug interactions, description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, and effect on pregnancy.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows