Coreg (carvedilol) is a beta-blocking agent most frequently used to treat hypertension and to prevent worsening symptoms in congestive heart failure.

The medication works by slowing the rate at which the heart beats while also relaxing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's overall workload. It is often used along with other medications, such as diuretics to further reduce blood pressure.

Treating Hypertension with Coreg

Outside of hospital settings, Coreg is most commonly used to help manage hypertension (high blood pressure). It may be effective on its own, but it's very common for other hypertension medications to be used along with Coreg. Lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and implementation of an exercise regimen, are also strongly encouraged to manage blood pressure; medications only alleviate symptoms, but lifestyle changes can often rectify the underlying cause.

It takes about two weeks of treatment for full effects to be seen. In otherwise healthy adults, treatment is typically as follows:

• Start with 12.5 mg per day, taken in two 6.25 mg doses in morning and evening.
• After two weeks blood pressure should be evaluated. If the starting dose is insufficient, increase dosage to 25 mg per day, taken in two 12.5 mg doses.
• After two weeks dosage may again be increased if needed, to 50 mg per day in two 25 mg doses.
• Do not exceed 50 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.

Other medications, other medical conditions, and personal variables like age and weight may require dosage adjustments.

Diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and other hypertension treatments are often used along with Coreg; these can enhance results but can also cause serious complications if used improperly or if the condition is not monitored. A doctor should be consulted before adding, removing, adjusting dosage or otherwise modifying the medication regimen.

Treating Heart Failure with Coreg

Heart failure is, obviously, a very serious condition. It is also a very complex condition; there are likely multiple underlying factors contributing to the heart failure, and often other medical complications present at the same time. It is also very likely other medications are being taken. All of these factors, and more, like age and weight, will influence treatment with Coreg. In other words, treating heart failure is very individualized and requires working closely with a doctor.

That said, in relatively healthy patients with no other major medical issues, treatment is similar to using this medication for hypertension; start with low doses of 12.5 mg per day, taken in two 6.25 mg doses, gradually increased if needed up to 50 mg per day taken in two 25 mg doses. Again working with a doctor to evaluate the medication's effectiveness and monitor for developing complications is critical.

Important Warnings

All patients taking this or any beta blocker should be aware that treatment should not stop abruptly---dosage should be gradually tapered down over the course of several weeks. Abrupt discontinuation can cause very serious, even fatal, complications, such as heart attack. Consult a doctor about a discontinuation plan if stopping treatment or switching to another medication.

No matter what Coreg is used to treat, it produces the same effects on the body; it slows the heart rate, relaxes blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure. Be aware that any other medication which influences heart rate, circulation, or blood pressure has potential to cause complications if taken along with Coreg. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure of the safety of mixing medications. Never take multiple beta blockers at the same time.

Finally, the most common side effects experienced with Coreg are due to reduced blood pressure; it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, mild confusion, tingling toes and fingers and general (usually mild) fatigue, particularly if physically active or if standing up quickly. In most cases these symptoms will fade away in the first few weeks of treatment as the body adjusts to its new lower blood pressure.