Coreg CR

Coreg CR Medication Information

What Is Coreg CR?

Coreg CR^® (carvedilol CR) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a part of a class of drugs called beta blockers. It is a long-acting medication that is taken just once a day.

(Click Coreg CR Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Coreg CR is made by GlaxoSmithKline.

How Does Coreg CR Work?

Coreg CR is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short.

As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to and cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:

Heart rate
The force with which the heart pumps blood
Blood pressure (both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure).

By blocking beta receptors, it causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as the workload on the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly. The medication also increases the efficiency of the heart, allowing more blood to be pumped out to the rest of the body.

Unlike a lot of other beta blockers, Coreg CR also blocks alpha receptors. The alpha blocker component of the drug works more on the peripheral blood vessels (arteries in the arms and legs). By blocking the alpha receptors, it relaxes these blood vessels.

When and How to Take the Drug

General considerations include the following:

This medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth once a day.
You should take Coreg CR with food.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or crush the capsules.
If absolutely necessary, the capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should not be warm and should be eaten immediately without chewing.
Be sure to take this medication at the same time each day, to keep an even level of the medication in your blood.
For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.

Dosing Information

The dose of Coreg CR that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

How you respond to Coreg CR
Other medications you are taking
Other medical conditions you may have.

As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

(Click Coreg CR Dosage for more information.)

Side Effects Seen With Coreg CR

As with any medicine, Coreg CR can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of Coreg CR include, but are not limited to:

Dizziness
Fatigue
High blood sugar
Diarrhea.

(Click Coreg CR Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

Drug Interactions

Coreg CR can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Coreg CR Drug Interactions).

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Coreg CR?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:

Heart disease
A slow heart rate
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Emphysema
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Depression
Pheochromocytoma
Psoriasis
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism )
Raynaud's phenomenon or other circulation problems
A blood vessel disease
Any allergies, including allergies to other beta blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Coreg CR and Pregnancy)
Breastfeeding (see Coreg CR and Breastfeeding).

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Click Coreg CR Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)

What If I Take an Overdose?

An overdose with Coreg CR can be dangerous. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.

(Click Coreg CR Overdose for more information.)

How Should Coreg CR Be Stored?

Coreg CR capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an upright position. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Coreg CR as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Coreg CR.

Strengths of Coreg CR

Coreg CR tablets come in the following strengths:

Coreg CR 10 mg
Coreg CR 20 mg
Coreg CR 40 mg
Coreg CR 80 mg.

Generic Availability

This medication is not available in generic form (see Generic Coreg CR).