Coreg CR is a brand name for an extended-release formulation of carvedilol, a medication used primarily for managing cardiovascular conditions. Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-blocking activity, which helps regulate blood pressure and improve heart function.
Product Highlights
Coreg CR is used to manage chronic heart failure by improving heart function and reducing symptoms.
It helps in lowering blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
It is used after a heart attack to improve survival and reduce the risk of further heart complications.
Key Ingredient
Carvedilol
Key Benefits
Helps the heart pump more efficiently in patients with heart failure.
Effective in controlling high blood pressure, which can reduce cardiovascular risk.
Alleviates symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Provides the convenience of taking medication just once a day.
Direction of Use
Coreg CR is usually taken once daily with food to reduce the risk of side effects.
The capsules should be taken whole and not broken, crushed, or chewed.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function may be required to ensure the medication is working effectively and to adjust the dose if necessary.
Dosing Conversion:
Daily Dose of Immediate-Release Carvedilol Tablets
Daily Dose of COREG CR Capsules
6.25 mg (3.125 mg twice daily)
10 mg once daily
12.5 mg (6.25 mg twice daily)
20 mg once daily
25 mg (12.5 mg twice daily)
40 mg once daily
50 mg (25 mg twice daily)
80 mg once daily
When switching from carvedilol 12.5 mg or 25 mg twice daily, a starting dose of COREG CR 20 mg or 40 mg once daily, respectively, may be warranted for elderly patients or those at increased risk of hypotension, dizziness, or syncope. Subsequent titration to higher doses should, as appropriate, be made after an interval of at least 2 weeks.
Safety Concerns
Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and diarrhea. Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, and worsening heart failure.
Carvedilol may interact with other medications, including other blood pressure medications, certain antidepressants, and drugs that affect liver enzymes.
Abruptly stopping Coreg CR can worsen heart failure or increase blood pressure. It should be discontinued gradually under a doctor’s supervision.
Avoid Coreg CR (Carvedilol ER) If
Individuals with a known allergy to carvedilol or any other ingredient in Coreg CR should not use this medication.
Coreg CR is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment, as the liver metabolizes carvedilol.
It should be avoided in patients with severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, or certain types of heart failure unless managed by a healthcare provider.
Patients with severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may need to avoid Coreg CR due to its potential to exacerbate respiratory conditions.
