CARVEDILOL is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• circulation problems
• diabetes
• history of heart attack or heart disease
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• pheochromocytoma
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carvedilol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. It is best to take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Do not take this medicine with the following:

• sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• cimetidine
• clonidine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for depression like fluoxetine and paroxetine
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines to control heart rhythm like propafenone and quinidine
• reserpine
• rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

Contact your doctor or health care professional if you have difficulty breathing while taking this drug.

Check your weight daily. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you should notify him/her of any weight gain.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed. Tell your doctor if you have changes in your blood sugar while you are taking this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• dark urine
• irregular heartbeat
• swollen legs or ankles
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• diarrhea
• dry eyes (especially if wearing contact lenses)
• dry, itching skin
• headache
• nausea
• unusually tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.