Description
Coreg CR is a prescription medication used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, and to reduce cardiovascular death in clinically stable patients who've had a heart attack and have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less.
Coreg CR is an extended-release medication, meaning the medication stays in the body longer. Coreg CR is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg oral capsules.
The generic for Coreg CR is carvedilol phosphate extended-release.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C24H26N2O4 |
License |
US DailyMed |
Bioavailability |
25–35% |
Legal status |
Rx-Only |
Chemical Name |
Carvedilol |
Elimination half-life |
7–10 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg |
Pregnancy |
Consult Doctor |
Brands |
Coreg |
Protein binding |
98% |
PubChem CID |
2585 |
MedlinePlus |
a697042 |
ChEBI |
3441 |
ATC code |
C07AG02 |
DrugBank |
DB01136 |
KEGG |
D00255 |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Directions
The information that comes with your Coreg CR prescription should be carefully read. Take the medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Do not abruptly stop taking Coreg CR as this can worsen chest pain or cause a heart attack or irregular heart rhythms.
Because Coreg CR is an extended-release medication, it's generally taken once daily in the morning with food. Your dose will be based on the condition being treated as well as your medical history and current health problems.
The capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Patients who are unable to swallow the capsules may open them and sprinkle the contents over a spoonful of applesauce and consumed right away.
Ingredients
Carvedilol phosphate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent with alpha-1 blocking properties, is the active ingredient in Coreg CR.
Contraindications
Coreg CR may not be right for everyone.
Coreg CR should not be taken if you have any of the following conditions:
- Bronchial asthma or other related conditions
- Second- or third-degree AV block
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Severely low heart rate and no permanent pacemaker in place
- Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure that requires IV inotropic therapy
- Severe liver problems
- A previous allergy or reaction to Coreg CR or any of its components
Cautions
Before you start taking Coreg CR, tell your doctor about:
- All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
- Your allergies
- Your medical history and health problems
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Coreg CR is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that works to lessen the stress from your heart and blood vessels, leading to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Caution should be used when standing from a sitting position. Avoid driving or other hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you.
- Heart failure or fluid retention may worsen with Coreg CR dosage increases. Contact your doctor immediately if you have swelling, trouble breathing, or unexplained rapid weight gain.
- Coreg CR may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, including rapid heart rate. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly and treat it as directed by their doctor.
- Coreg CR can cause or worsen the symptoms of slowed or stopped blood flow through the arteries in patients who have peripheral vascular disease. Use caution.
- Although rare, Coreg CR can worsen kidney function. The risk may be greater in patients who have low blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying kidney problems.
- Caution should be used before undergoing major surgery.
- Coreg CR may mask the signs of overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. In addition, abruptly stopping Coreg CR may worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or cause a thyroid storm.
- Patients with pheochromocytoma should use caution when taking Coreg CR.
- Patients with Prinzmetal's variant angina should use caution when taking Coreg CR.
- Because Coreg CR is also an alpha-blocker, the risk of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome can occur during cataract surgery.
- Coreg CR can cause severe allergic reactions, including trouble breathing; swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue; and rash. Patients should seek emergency care right away if any of these effects occur.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Coreg CR has the potential to cause side effects. These include weakness, fatigue, low heart rate, low blood pressure, headache, and dizziness. However, these are not all the side effects that can occur with Coreg CR. You should contact your doctor right away if you develop side effects that bother you or won't go away.
Reference:
- Coreg CR-carvedilol phosphate capsule, extended release. GlaxoSmithKline LLC; 2020.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 9742