Carvedilol

Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on April 3, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved carvedilol oral tablet to treat:

• heart failure
• high blood pressure
• problems with the left ventricle (one of the heart’s lower chambers) after a heart attack

This article describes carvedilol oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find coupon options for carvedilol.

Carvedilol may cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). More common mild side effects of carvedilol oral tablet and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.

To learn more about carvedilol oral tablet’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information for carvedilol oral tablet.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with carvedilol oral tablet are listed below.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Carvedilol oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fatigue (low energy)
• headache
• high blood sugar
• low blood pressure
• low heart rate
• nausea or vomiting
• weight gain
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for carvedilol” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of carvedilol oral tablet are listed below. With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common.

If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Carvedilol oral tablet’s serious side effects include:

• very low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting
• very low heart rate
• worsening heart failure
• fluid buildup during dosage increases
• worsening kidney problems in people who had reduced kidney function due to heart failure
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for carvedilol” section below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as carvedilol for certain conditions. Approved uses for carvedilol oral tablet are described below. Carvedilol is used in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

Use for high blood pressure

Doctors may prescribe carvedilol oral tablet for treating high blood pressure.

With high blood pressure, there usually aren’t any symptoms. But having high blood pressure increases the risk of serious problems, including heart attack and stroke.

Use for heart failure

Doctors may prescribe carvedilol oral tablet for treating heart failure.

With heart failure, the heart becomes weak and enlarged. As a result, it can’t pump blood to the rest of the body as well as it should. Muscles and other organs don’t get enough fresh, oxygen-rich blood to meet their needs. This causes symptoms such as fatigue (low energy) and shortness of breath.

Carvedilol may be prescribed for heart failure that’s mild to severe.

Use for problems with the left ventricle after a heart attack

Doctors may prescribe carvedilol oral tablet for treating problems with the left ventricle (one of the heart’s lower chambers) after a heart attack.

Left ventricle problems are common after a heart attack. With left ventricle problems, the lower left chamber of the heart becomes weak. This chamber is responsible for pumping blood out to the rest of the body. When it’s weak, it can’t function as well as it should. This doesn’t always cause symptoms, but doctors can find the weakness with heart tests.

Having left ventricle problems after a heart attack increases the risk of developing heart failure. It can even be fatal.

The dosage of carvedilol oral tablet your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. It’s usually taken twice daily. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.

Taking carvedilol

Carvedilol oral tablet is swallowed. It should be taken with food.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take carvedilol oral tablet. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

See the “Common questions about carvedilol” section for information on missed doses and the best time to take this drug.

Overdose of carvedilol

You should not take more carvedilol than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much carvedilol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take carvedilol, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. They can check for interactions these items may cause with carvedilol. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for carvedilol” section below.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about carvedilol oral tablet.

How does carvedilol compare with atenolol?

Carvedilol and atenolol are similar drugs. Both atenolol and carvedilol belong to the same group of drugs, called beta-blockers. And they’re both approved to treat high blood pressure. Atenolol is also approved to treat a certain kind of chest pain and to help reduce the risk of dying during a heart attack.

Since both carvedilol and atenolol are beta-blockers, they can cause similar side effects and have similar warnings. But their dosages are usually different.

If you’d like more information about atenolol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Let your doctor know if you’re interested in taking atenolol. They can advise you about which drug is best for your condition.

Does carvedilol cause long-term side effects?

Not usually. Some of carvedilol’s mild side effects may ease as your body gets used to the drug. Others, such as a low heart rate, may continue based on how the drug works. Beta-blockers, such as carvedilol, are meant to slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This is how they work to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have side effects that aren’t going away or become bothersome or severe. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them. Or they may recommend changes in your treatment.

Can carvedilol cause different side effects in older adults?

It’s possible. Studies of the drug included older adults ages 65 years or older. Dizziness was reported more in older adults with high blood pressure as compared with younger adults. This may be because older adults could be more sensitive to the drug. But other side effects were the same in older adults and younger adults.

If you’re an older adult and have questions about taking carvedilol, talk with your doctor. You can ask how carvedilol compares with other treatment options.

How does carvedilol work? And how long does it take to start working?

Carvedilol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. It works by relaxing your blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard when your blood pressure is low because there’s less resistance to pump against. Carvedilol also slows your heart rate. This reduces the workload for your heart as well.

Carvedilol will start working within about an hour of taking it. But it can take up to 2 weeks to see the full effects of the drug. If you and your doctor agree that you should stop taking carvedilol, it’ll take a couple of days for your body to clear it. This is based on a half-life of 7 to 10 hours. (A half-life is how long it takes your body to get rid of half of a dose of a medication.) It usually takes about five half-lives to get rid of a drug.

If you have questions about starting or stopping carvedilol treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Do not stop taking carvedilol without first talking with your doctor. Doing so can increase your risk of heart problems.

Is there a best time of day to take carvedilol? What should I do if I miss a dose of carvedilol?

Carvedilol is usually taken twice daily with food. For most people, this will mean taking it with breakfast and again with dinner or a late snack. Your doctor will recommend how and when to take carvedilol. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you miss a dose of carvedilol, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up and take two doses. If you need help deciding whether to take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can carvedilol tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?

The drugmaker doesn’t give any advice about crushing, splitting, or chewing carvedilol tablets. Ask your pharmacist about taking your prescription in any of these ways.

If you’re having trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also view this article to learn more.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for carvedilol oral tablet by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for carvedilol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of carvedilol in this article.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Carvedilol should not be taken by certain people. Warnings for taking this drug are described below.

Warnings

Carvedilol could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether carvedilol oral tablet is a safe option for you.

Tell your doctor about your overall health and any past health conditions before you take carvedilol oral tablet. Health conditions and other factors you and your doctor should discuss include:

• allergy to carvedilol or any of its ingredients
• asthma
• cardiogenic shock
• cataract surgery
• certain kinds of heart failure
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• diabetes
• kidney problems
• overactive thyroid
• a certain kind of blood circulation problem
• tumor on your adrenal gland
• chest pain that occurs when you are at rest
• second- or third-degree heart block
• severe liver problems
• sick sinus syndrome
• very slow heart rate without a permanent pacemaker

Allergic reaction

Carvedilol can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to carvedilol or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe carvedilol. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to carvedilol, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Information about carvedilol and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Carvedilol and pregnancy

It’s not known whether carvedilol oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Carvedilol and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether carvedilol oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

This article describes carvedilol oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about carvedilol or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How does carvedilol compare with other drugs that could treat my condition?
• Is there anything in my medical history that may increase the risk of side effects with carvedilol?
• Do any of the medications or supplements I take interact with carvedilol?

• Carvedilol tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0e98593a-8424-48c8-acc0-671f4b566aee/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.