Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Headache
- Rash
- Disturbed sleep
- Impotence
- Fatigue
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Visual disturbances
- Blockade of the electrical pathways which control the pumping action of the heart (heart block)
- Dizziness
- Increased blood cholesterol level
- Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)
- Wheezing
- Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
- Depressed mood
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
If carvedilol is taken with other medicines that decrease blood pressure, either as their intended action or as a side effect, there may be a risk of a large drop in blood pressure, particularly with the first dose. Alcohol may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine, which may result in dizziness or fainting.
In people with diabetes, carvedilol can prolong the lowering of blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) caused by insulin or other antidiabetic medicines. Individuals should monitor their blood sugar, as carvedilol can also mask the signs of hypoglycaemia.
Carvedilol may increase the blood levels of the following medicines:
- ciclosporin
- digoxin.
The blood levels of these medicines should be monitored if they are taken with carvedilol.
If carvedilol is taken with digoxin or diltiazem there may be an increased risk of slow heart rate.
If carvedilol is taken with verapamil the risk of slow heart rate and heart block may be increased.
If carvedilol is taken with medicines for abnormal heart rhythms, such as amiodarone or disopyramide, there may be an increased risk of slow heart rate or other adverse effects on the heart.
Antiarrhythmic medicines, verapamil and diltiazem should not be given intravenously (injected into a vein) to people taking this medicine.
If carvedilol is taken with nifedepine and possibly other calcium channel blockers, the risk of a large fall in blood pressure and heart failure may be increased.
The increase in blood pressure that occurs when the medicine clonidine is stopped may be worsened if carvedilol is being taken at the same time. The carvedilol should be stopped several days before slowly withdrawing the clonidine.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indometacin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of carvedilol.
Care should be taken when adrenaline is given with carvedilol, as this combination may cause severe high blood pressure and slow heart rate.
Rifampicin increases the removal of this medicine from the body, which may result in decreased blood levels of carvedilol .
Other medicines containing the same active ingredients
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