Carvedilol

What is carvedilol?

Carvedilol is a medicine that is used to lower high blood pressure. It is also used to help control heart failure. Carvedilol controls the heart so that it beats more slowly, more steadily, and with less force. You may hear carvedilol called by its brand name, Coreg.

How should you give your child carvedilol?

Follow these instructions when you give your child carvedilol:

• Give your child carvedilol for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems well. Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving this medicine for any reason. Make sure you have enough carvedilol for weekends, holidays, and vacations.
• Give your child carvedilol at the same time(s) every day. Pick times that are easy for you so that you do not miss doses.
• Give your child carvedilol with food or milk.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of carvedilol?

If your child misses a dose of carvedilol:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only 1 dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of carvedilol?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take carvedilol. Usually your child will not need to see a doctor about them. These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to carvedilol. Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)
• nausea

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• any change in heart beat such as faster, slower, or uneven heart beats
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• swelling of feet, ankles, or legs
• skin rash
• chest pain

What other important information should you know about carvedilol?

• Tell your doctor if your child has asthma or any problems with breathing. Tell your doctor if your child has ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to carvedilol or any other medicines.
• Tell your doctor if your child has diabetes. Carvedilol may cause changes in blood sugar levels.
• Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicine, even medicines you can buy without a doctor's order (prescription).
• Before your child has any kind of surgery, even on the teeth, or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is taking carvedilol.
• Keep all appointments at the clinic or doctor's office, so that the doctor can check your child's reaction to carvedilol.
• This medicine may make your child dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than normal. Watch carefully when your child is doing something that they need to be alert for, such as climbing stairs.
• To help avoid dizziness, your child should get out of bed or get up from a sitting position slowly. Your child should sit down or lie down if they feel dizzy. If this problem continues or gets worse, call your child's doctor.
  

Keep carvedilol out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much carvedilol, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.