Carvedilol
Carvedilol is a prescription beta blocker that also acts as an alpha blocker. Carvedilol is used for Chronic heart failure (US labelling), Essential hypertension (US labelling) and UK-described uses (NHS wording).
Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.
- Generic name
- carvedilol
- Brand names
- COREG
- Drug class
- Alpha-1 / non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker
- Form
- Tablets. NHS source: tablets come in 4 strengths — 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg and 25 mg. US label source reviewed here is for COREG (carvedilol) tablets.
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Prescription-only medicine (NHS source: 'It's only available on prescription')
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What carvedilol is and how it works
Carvedilol is a prescription beta blocker that also acts as an alpha blocker. US labelling reviewed here lists use for mild-to-severe chronic heart failure of ischemic or cardiomyopathic origin (usually added to diuretics, ACE inhibitors and digitalis, to increase survival and reduce hospitalisation), to reduce cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients who survived the acute phase of a myocardial infarction with LVEF <=40%, and for management of essential hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensives. UK NHS information describes it as used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, and says it can also be taken with other medicines to treat heart failure and to prevent chest pain caused by angina. (1) (3)
Country labelling differs: the US and UK schedules are not interchangeable. Carvedilol usually starts to work after about 1 hour, but may take days or weeks to work fully. It is usually taken long term. Do not stop taking it suddenly — this can make your condition worse, especially if you have heart disease; talk to your doctor if you want to stop.
Mechanism of action: how carvedilol works
Carvedilol is a racemic mixture; non-selective beta-blockade comes from the S(-) enantiomer and alpha-1 blockade from both enantiomers; it has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Pharmacokinetics: absolute bioavailability about 25-35% (first-pass metabolism); terminal half-life generally 7 to 10 hours; food slows absorption without changing extent, and taking it with food should minimize the risk of orthostatic hypotension; less than 2% excreted unchanged in urine. (1) (3)
What is Carvedilol used for?
Chronic heart failure (US labelling)
Mild-to-severe chronic heart failure of ischemic or cardiomyopathic origin, usually added to diuretics, ACE inhibitors and digitalis, to increase survival and reduce hospitalisation. (1)
After a myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction (US labelling)
To reduce cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients who survived the acute phase of a myocardial infarction with LVEF <=40%. (1)
Essential hypertension (US labelling)
Management of essential hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensives (especially thiazide-type diuretics). (1)
UK-described uses (NHS wording)
Used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and help prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. It can also be taken with other medicines to treat heart failure and to prevent chest pain caused by angina. NHS information notes carvedilol works as well as other beta blockers to reduce blood pressure, but is mainly used to prevent angina or heart failure because it also widens the blood vessels. (3)
Before taking carvedilol
Do not take / not appropriate for
- US label contraindications include: bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions (deaths from status asthmaticus have been reported after single doses); second- or third-degree AV block; sick sinus syndrome; severe bradycardia unless a permanent pacemaker is in place; cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure requiring IV inotropes; severe hepatic impairment; and a history of serious hypersensitivity (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis, angioedema) to carvedilol. (US labelling) (1)
- NHS information states carvedilol is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to carvedilol or any other medicine; lung disease or asthma; heart failure that's getting worse; low blood pressure (hypotension) or a slow heart rate; a liver problem; serious circulation problems in your arms and legs, such as Raynaud's. (UK NHS information) (3)
Tell your clinician about
- Tell your doctor you're taking carvedilol if you're going to be put to sleep (using general anaesthetic) or have any kind of major operation; your doctor may advise you to stop taking carvedilol before surgery, because it can lower your blood pressure too much when combined with some general anaesthetics.
- If you have diabetes: carvedilol may lower your blood sugar too much when taken with diabetes medicines, and may make it more difficult to recognise the warning signs of low blood sugar. Speak to your doctor if you have low blood sugar levels without warning signs.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you're taking a combined hormonal contraceptive, talk to your doctor; these methods are not usually recommended if you have high blood pressure.
Carvedilol dosage and how to take it
- Take carvedilol at the same time each day. If you take it twice a day, you'll usually have 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening; leave 10 to 12 hours between doses if you can (NHS).
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush them (NHS). Some tablets have a line across them to help you break them in half — check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if you can do this (NHS).
- The US label states: take with food — this slows absorption and reduces dizziness on standing.
- The NHS states carvedilol does not usually make you feel sick, so it can be taken with or without food; however, if you're taking it for heart failure, it's best to take the tablets with food, to reduce the risk of feeling dizzy or faint when you stand up. The US label also directs taking it with food.
- When you start taking carvedilol, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose just before you go to bed, because it can make you feel dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take your medicine in the morning; if you do feel dizzy, it's best to keep taking your medicine at bedtime (NHS).
- Dose is individualised and monitored during up-titration (US label).
- Do not change your dose yourself; take only the dose on your own prescription.
- Do not stop taking carvedilol suddenly. This can make your condition worse, especially if you have heart disease. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking it. If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine instead (NHS). The US label states that abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal in coronary disease has been followed by severe angina exacerbation, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias; the label says discontinue over 1 to 2 weeks with observation.
- Dizziness or light-headedness (rarely fainting) can occur within the first hour after starting or increasing the dose; avoid driving or hazardous tasks then (US label addendum).
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of carvedilol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm; you could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember.
Overdose
Call emergency services or poison control immediately if you think you have taken too much carvedilol. The NHS advises contacting 111 for advice now if you take more than your prescribed dose of carvedilol (call 111 or go to 111 online; if you need advice for a child under 5 years old, call 111). If you need to go to A&E, do not drive — ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring the carvedilol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take. The amount of carvedilol that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person. Taking too much carvedilol can lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and make it difficult to breathe. US labelling states overdose may cause severe low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart failure, shock, cardiac arrest, breathing problems and seizures, and requires hospital/intensive-care treatment (e.g. atropine, glucagon, pacing). (1) (3)
Carvedilol side effects
Like all medicines, carvedilol can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Side effects usually improve as your body gets used to the medicine. Common side effects may happen in more than 1 in 100 people and are usually mild and last a few days after starting the medicine or increasing the dose.
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
What to notice: Drowsiness, tiredness or dizziness, especially when starting or after a dose increase.
What to do: As your body gets used to carvedilol, these side effects should wear off. If carvedilol makes you feel dizzy, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Avoid alcohol as it will make you feel worse. (3)
Cold fingers or toes
What to notice: Cold hands or feet.
What to do: Put your hands or feet under warm running water, massage them, and wiggle your fingers and toes. Do not smoke or have drinks with caffeine, as this can make your blood vessels narrower and further restrict blood flow to your hands and feet. Try wearing mittens (warmer than gloves) and warm socks. Do not wear tight watches or bracelets. (3)
Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
What to notice: Nausea or vomiting.
What to do: Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your carvedilol after a meal or snack. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or squash to avoid dehydration; take small, frequent sips if you're being sick. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy — check the pill packet to find out what to do. (3)
Diarrhoea
What to notice: Diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration (signs include peeing less than usual or dark, strong-smelling pee).
What to do: Drink lots of fluids such as water or squash to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy — check the pill packet to find out what to do. (3)
Most common adverse events in US labelling
What to notice: In heart failure / post-MI LV dysfunction: dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, asthenia, bradycardia, weight increase. In hypertension (>=5%): dizziness.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with your prescribing team rather than stopping treatment yourself. (1)
Possible low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
What to notice: Nose bleeds that last for more than 10 minutes, unexplained bruising, or bruising more easily than usual.
What to do: Call a doctor or call 111 straight away. (3)
Possible other heart problems
What to notice: Shortness of breath with a cough that gets worse when you exercise (like walking up the stairs), swollen ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat.
What to do: Call a doctor or call 111 straight away. (3)
Angina chest pain (if already diagnosed with angina)
What to notice: Chest pain.
What to do: Follow the instructions you've been given for treating your angina: stop what you're doing and rest; use any medicine you've been prescribed (usually glyceryl trinitrate, GTN); take another dose after 5 minutes if the first dose does not help; if you still have symptoms 5 minutes after taking the 2nd dose, call 999 for an ambulance. (3)
Serious warnings
Possible heart attack — emergency
Symptoms: Chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes, and you may also feel sweaty, sick, light headed or short of breath.
Action: Call 999 now. Do not drive yourself to A&E — the person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do. (3)
Possible lung problems — emergency
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of your chest.
Action: Call 999 now. Do not drive yourself to A&E — the person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do. (3)
Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — emergency
Symptoms: Lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen; breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air); throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow; skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet); suddenly becoming very confused, drowsy or dizzy; someone faints and cannot be woken up; a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do. There may also be a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
Action: Call 999 now. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. Do not drive yourself to A&E — the person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do. (3)
Bradycardia, hypotension and worsening heart failure/fluid retention — serious
Symptoms: Slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, worsening heart failure or fluid retention.
Action: These may occur with carvedilol (US label warnings). Seek medical assessment promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or change treatment. (1)
Non-allergic bronchospasm — serious
Symptoms: Bronchospasm in conditions such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Action: The US label advises avoiding carvedilol in non-allergic bronchospasm (chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless necessary. Discuss with your prescriber. (1)
Deterioration of renal function in heart failure — serious
Symptoms: Worsening renal function during up-titration, particularly in patients with low blood pressure (systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg), ischemic heart disease and diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying renal insufficiency.
Action: US labelling recommends monitoring renal function during up-titration in patients with these risk factors, and discontinuing or reducing dosage if worsening of renal function occurs. Renal function has returned to baseline when carvedilol was stopped. This decision belongs with your prescriber. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, propafenone) and rifampin | CYP2D6 inhibitors may increase and rifampin may decrease carvedilol levels. | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. (1) |
| Reserpine, MAO inhibitors and clonidine | May increase risk of hypotension/severe bradycardia. | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. (1) |
| Cyclosporine and digoxin | Levels may rise; digoxin plus beta-blocker increases bradycardia risk. | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. (1) |
| Amiodarone | May raise carvedilol levels. | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. (1) |
| Verapamil- or diltiazem-type calcium channel blockers | May affect ECG and blood pressure. | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. (1) |
| Insulin and oral hypoglycemic medicines | Their action may be enhanced. Carvedilol may lower your blood sugar too much when taken with diabetes medicines, and may make it more difficult to recognise the warning signs of low blood sugar. | Speak to your doctor if you have low blood sugar levels without getting any warning signs. Check your blood sugar after exercise, and follow usual advice about checking it before driving or operating machinery. (1) |
| Other medicines for high blood pressure | When taken together with carvedilol, they can sometimes lower your blood pressure too much. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Other medicines that can lower your blood pressure | These include some antidepressants, nitrates (for chest pain), baclofen (a muscle relaxant), medicines for an enlarged prostate gland like tamsulosin, or levodopa (for Parkinson's disease). | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Medicines for an irregular heartbeat such as digoxin, amiodarone or flecainide | There are some medicines that can affect the way carvedilol works. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Medicines for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | There are some medicines that can affect the way carvedilol works. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Medicines that treat nose or sinus congestion, or other cold remedies (including those you can buy in the pharmacy) | There are some medicines that can affect the way carvedilol works. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Medicines for allergies, such as ephedrine, noradrenaline or adrenaline | There are some medicines that can affect the way carvedilol works. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen | These medicines may increase your blood pressure. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Ciclosporin, used for immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis | There are some medicines that can affect the way carvedilol works. | Tell your doctor if you're taking these. (3) |
| Herbal remedies and supplements | There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with carvedilol. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines, and are generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines. | Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. (3) |
Special populations
Children
NHS information states carvedilol can sometimes be prescribed by a specialist for children aged 2 years old and over. If your child is prescribed carvedilol, the doctor will use their weight to work out the right dose. (3)
Pregnancy
US labelling: human data are insufficient to determine drug-associated risk. Poorly controlled high blood pressure itself carries risks for mother and baby. Beta-blockers in the third trimester may increase the risk of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, low blood sugar and breathing depression in the newborn; newborns should be observed. The decision belongs with the prescriber. NHS information states carvedilol is not usually recommended if you're pregnant because similar medicines with more safety information are available; if you're trying to get pregnant or already pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether switching to another medicine, such as labetalol or nifedipine, is right for you. (1) (3)
Breastfeeding
US labelling: no data on presence in human milk or effects on the breastfed infant; carvedilol is present in rat milk; benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's need for the drug and possible infant effects — discuss with prescriber. NHS information: if your doctor, midwife or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it's OK to take carvedilol if you're breastfeeding. It's not known how much carvedilol gets into breast milk, but it's only likely to be low levels, and your baby will not be able to absorb a lot into their body from the breast milk; it's unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. It's important to keep taking carvedilol to keep you well, and breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby. As a precaution, call 111 or talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any concerns about your baby, including: not feeding as well as usual, or not putting on weight as you would expect; diarrhoea or being sick (vomiting); looking paler than usual; being irritable; being unusually sleepy. Country guidance differs — discuss with your prescriber. (1) (3)
Fertility
NHS information states there's no evidence to suggest that taking carvedilol will reduce fertility in either men or women. If you're trying for a baby or having problems getting pregnant while on carvedilol, speak to your doctor. (3)
Renal impairment
US labelling: although carvedilol is metabolized primarily by the liver, plasma concentrations of carvedilol have been reported to be increased in patients with renal impairment. Based on mean AUC data, approximately 40% to 50% higher plasma concentrations of carvedilol were observed in subjects with hypertension and moderate to severe renal impairment compared with a control group of subjects with hypertension and normal renal function; however, the ranges of AUC values were similar for both groups. Changes in mean peak plasma levels were less pronounced, approximately 12% to 26% higher in subjects with impaired renal function. Consistent with its high degree of plasma protein-binding, carvedilol does not appear to be cleared significantly by hemodialysis. The label gives no separate renal starting-dose adjustment; renal guidance is monitoring renal function during up-titration in at-risk heart-failure patients, and dose reduction or discontinuation if renal function worsens. (1)
People with diabetes
Carvedilol may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and alter glucose levels (US label warnings). NHS information advises speaking to your doctor if you have low blood sugar levels without getting any warning signs; check your blood sugar after exercise, and follow usual advice about checking it before driving or operating machinery. (1) (3)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm the exact diagnosis and indication and the country-appropriate labelling.
- Tell your doctor if you have lung disease or asthma, heart failure that's getting worse, low blood pressure or a slow heart rate, a liver problem, or serious circulation problems in your arms and legs such as Raynaud's (NHS).
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor you're taking carvedilol if you're going to be put to sleep (using general anaesthetic) or have any kind of major operation.
During treatment
- Dose is individualised and monitored during up-titration (US label).
- US labelling recommends monitoring renal function during up-titration in at-risk heart-failure patients (low blood pressure with systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg, ischemic heart disease and diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying renal insufficiency), and discontinuing or reducing dosage if worsening of renal function occurs.
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar after exercise, and follow usual advice about checking it before driving or operating machinery.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking carvedilol.
- Do not stop taking carvedilol suddenly; talk to your doctor if you want to stop.
Storage
US labelling: Store below 30°C (86°F). Protect from moisture. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container. Patient information: Store COREG at less than 86°F (30°C). Keep the tablets dry. Safely throw away COREG that is out of date or no longer needed. Keep COREG and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local indication, dosing schedule, contraindications and monitoring guidance. US and UK schedules are different country schedules and are not interchangeable.
United States (COREG tablets label, SPL effective 2026-07-31)
Indication: Heart failure
Dose summary: Start 3.125 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, then 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg twice daily at intervals of at least 2 weeks; stay on a lower dose if higher is not tolerated (max 50 mg twice daily studied in patients over 85 kg with mild–moderate heart failure).
Renal context: The label gives no separate renal starting-dose adjustment; renal guidance is monitoring renal function during up-titration in at-risk heart-failure patients, and dose reduction or discontinuation if renal function worsens. (1)
United States (COREG tablets label, SPL effective 2026-07-31)
Indication: Left ventricular dysfunction after heart attack
Dose summary: Start 6.25 mg twice daily, increase to 12.5 then 25 mg twice daily after 3–10 day intervals.
Renal context: The label gives no separate renal starting-dose adjustment; renal guidance is monitoring renal function during up-titration in at-risk heart-failure patients, and dose reduction or discontinuation if renal function worsens. (1)
United States (COREG tablets label, SPL effective 2026-07-31)
Indication: Hypertension
Dose summary: Start 6.25 mg twice daily, increase if needed to 12.5 then 25 mg twice daily at 1–2 week intervals.
Renal context: The label gives no separate renal starting-dose adjustment; renal guidance is monitoring renal function during up-titration in at-risk heart-failure patients, and dose reduction or discontinuation if renal function worsens. (1)
United Kingdom (NHS information, page last reviewed 5 July 2024)
Indication: High blood pressure (hypertension)
Dose summary: 12.5 mg once a day for 2 days, then increased to 25 mg once a day; if your blood pressure does not go down enough your doctor may increase your dose to up to 50 mg a day, taken as a single dose or split into 2 doses. (3)
United Kingdom (NHS information, page last reviewed 5 July 2024)
Indication: Heart failure
Dose summary: 3.125 mg taken twice a day for 2 weeks; your doctor will then slowly increase the dose every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 25 mg to 50 mg twice a day (depending on your weight). (3)
United Kingdom (NHS information, page last reviewed 5 July 2024)
Indication: Angina
Dose summary: 12.5 mg taken twice a day for 2 days, then increased to 25 mg taken twice a day. (3)
Hepatic guidance
Severe hepatic impairment is a US label contraindication. No further hepatic dosing guidance is provided by the sources reviewed for this draft; use local product information and specialist judgement.
Overdose note
US labelling: overdose may cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, cardiac insufficiency, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest; also bronchospasm, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures. Requires hospital/intensive-care treatment (e.g. atropine, glucagon, pacing). Patient action: call emergency services immediately. (1) (3)
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel better straight away?
Carvedilol usually starts to work after about 1 hour, but it will take days or weeks to work fully. You may not feel any different when you take carvedilol for high blood pressure, but this does not mean it's not working. It's important to keep taking your medicine. (3)
Can I stop taking carvedilol if I feel fine?
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking carvedilol. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can make your condition worse, especially if you have heart disease. If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine instead. (1) (3)
Can I drive or ride a bike while taking carvedilol?
Carvedilol can make you feel tired or dizzy, especially when you first start taking it or after increasing your dose. If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel OK again. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking carvedilol. (1) (3)
Can I drink alcohol while taking carvedilol?
Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of carvedilol, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. During the first few days of taking carvedilol, or after an increase in your dose, it's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you. If you find carvedilol makes you feel dizzy, it's best to stop drinking alcohol. (3)
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking carvedilol. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help your heart condition. (3)
Will I need to stop carvedilol before surgery?
Tell your doctor you're taking carvedilol if you're going to be put to sleep (using general anaesthetic) or have any kind of major operation. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking carvedilol before surgery, because it can lower your blood pressure too much when combined with some general anaesthetics. (3)
Will it affect my sex life?
Some people on carvedilol say their sex drive goes down and some men say they cannot get an erection. There's not enough evidence to say that carvedilol causes this. If you're having problems with your sex life, talk to your doctor. (3)
Do I need to avoid playing sports?
You do not need to stop playing sports if you take carvedilol, but it's a good idea not to push yourself too much. Regular exercise is good for you because it lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition. In some sports carvedilol may not be allowed if you're competing at a very high level. (3)
Will it affect my contraception?
Carvedilol will not stop your contraception working. But some types of combined hormonal methods of contraception, such as the combined pill and contraceptive patch, are not usually recommended if you have high blood pressure — talk to your doctor if you're taking a combined hormonal contraceptive. If carvedilol makes you be sick or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy; look on the pill packet to find out what to do. (3)
Are there any long-term side effects?
Most people take carvedilol for a long time with no problems. In fact, it works best when you take it long term. (3)
Can lifestyle changes help my heart problem?
Quit smoking (including avoiding second-hand smoke); cut down on alcohol (drinking too much raises blood pressure over time and makes heart failure worse; drinking while taking carvedilol can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded); exercise regularly (walking every day is enough); eat well and lower the salt in your diet; manage stress. If you have heart failure, it's recommended that you have the flu vaccine every year and the COVID-19 vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine as recommended by your GP — ask your doctor about these vaccinations. (3)
What is the mechanism of action of carvedilol?
Carvedilol is a racemic mixture; non-selective beta-blockade comes from the S(-) enantiomer and alpha-1 blockade from both enantiomers; it has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Pharmacokinetics: absolute bioavailability about 25-35% (first-pass metabolism); terminal half-life generally 7 to 10 hours; food slows absorption without changing extent, and taking it with food should minimize the risk of orthostatic hypotension; less than 2% excreted unchanged in urine. (1) (3)
References
- COREG (carvedilol) tablet — prescribing informationDailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine; U.S. prescribing information (SPL effective 2026-07-31) · United States · dated 2026-07-31 · accessed 2026-10-09 · source 1
- Carvedilol (MedlinePlus Drug Information)MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · United States · accessed 2026-10-09 · source 2
- Carvedilol: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart problemsNHS, United Kingdom · United Kingdom · dated 2024-07-05 · accessed 2026-10-17 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient carvedilol names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Coregtablet, film coated, capsule, extended release · 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 20 mg, 10 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg · waylis therapeutics llcregulator source