From the Guidelines
Coreg (carvedilol) can cause significant side effects, including dizziness, lightheadedness, and blurred vision, particularly within 24 to 48 hours of the first dose or dose increments, as noted in the 2009 focused update incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2005 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure in adults 1. These side effects are generally associated with the vasodilatory properties of carvedilol, which can lead to hypotension.
- Common side effects of Coreg include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Worsening heart failure symptoms
- Very slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Fainting
- Depression
- Allergic reactions According to the 2013 ACCF/AHA focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA 2007 guidelines for the management of patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, patients with marked first-degree AV block, any form of second- or third-degree AV block, or a history of asthma should not receive beta blockers, including Coreg, on an acute basis 1. To minimize the risk of hypotension, physicians may administer the beta blocker and ACEI at different times during the day, as recommended in the 2005 ACC/AHA guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult 1. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it under medical supervision can help minimize these effects. Patients should not stop taking Coreg suddenly, as this can worsen heart conditions; any concerning side effects should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and possible dose adjustment.
From the FDA Drug Label
The following adverse events were reported with a frequency of greater than 1% but less than or equal to 3% and more frequently with Carvedilol Tablet: Flu syndrome, cerebrovascular accident, peripheral vascular disorder, hypotonia, depression, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis, and gout Low blood pressure (which may cause dizziness or fainting when you stand up). If these happen, sit or lie down right away and tell your doctor. Tiredness. If you feel tired or dizzy you should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs you to be alert. Slow heartbeat. Changes in your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor if you have any changes in your blood sugar levels Carvedilol Tablet may hide some of the symptoms of low blood sugar, especially a fast heartbeat. Table 1 shows adverse events in U. S. placebo-controlled clinical trials for hypertension that occurred with an incidence of greater than or equal to 1% regardless of causality, and that were more frequent in drug-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. The following adverse events not described above were reported as possibly or probably related to Carvedilol Tablet in worldwide open or controlled trials with Carvedilol Tablet in patients with hypertension or heart failure. Side effects of Coreg include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Slow heartbeat
- Changes in blood sugar
- Flu syndrome
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Peripheral vascular disorder
- Hypotonia
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Peripheral edema
- Bradycardia
- Postural hypotension
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hypertriglyceridemia 2 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Coreg
The provided studies do not directly discuss the side effects of Coreg (carvedilol). However, they compare the effectiveness and safety of different beta-blockers, including carvedilol, in the treatment of chronic heart failure.
- The study published in 2017 3 compared bisoprolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol succinate in patients with chronic heart failure, but it does not provide information on the side effects of these medications.
- The 2023 study 4 evaluated the effectiveness and safety of four different beta-blockers, including carvedilol, but it does not specifically report on the side effects of Coreg.
Available Information
Although the studies do not provide direct information on the side effects of Coreg, they suggest that carvedilol is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with chronic heart failure, with similar effects to other beta-blockers such as bisoprolol and metoprolol succinate 3, 4.
Limitations
There are no research papers provided that directly assist in answering the question about the side effects of Coreg.