From the Guidelines
Yes, Coreg (carvedilol) can cause breathing difficulties in some patients. This medication, which is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain heart conditions, may trigger or worsen breathing problems, particularly in people with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 1. The breathing difficulties occur because carvedilol blocks beta-2 receptors in the lungs that normally help keep airways open. When these receptors are blocked, the airways can narrow, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness.
Some key points to consider:
- Patients with a history of asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema are at higher risk for these side effects 1.
- If you experience any breathing problems while taking Coreg, contact your healthcare provider immediately—do not suddenly stop taking the medication on your own, as this could cause dangerous rebound effects 1.
- Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage, switch you to a more cardioselective beta-blocker, or consider alternative treatments depending on your specific situation 1.
- Carvedilol is preferred in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but it should be used with caution in patients with respiratory conditions 1.
It's essential to weigh the benefits of Coreg against the potential risks, especially for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions. If breathing difficulties occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to prevent worsening of symptoms and potential complications.
From the FDA Drug Label
Carvedilol Tablet can make some of your symptoms worse Have asthma or other lung problems (such as bronchitis or emphysema) Tell your doctor if you gain weight or have trouble breathing while taking Carvedilol Tablet. Other side effects of Carvedilol Tablet include shortness of breath
Yes, Coreg (carvedilol) can cause breathing difficulties, as it may worsen symptoms of asthma or other lung problems and can cause shortness of breath 2.
From the Research
Breathing Difficulties with Coreg (Carvedilol)
- Coreg (carvedilol) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Beta-blockers, including carvedilol, can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchospasm and dyspnea, in some individuals 3.
- A study on the sensitivity of lung resistance and compliance to beta-blocker induced bronchoconstriction and long-acting beta-agonist withdrawal in COPD patients found that carvedilol can cause significant changes in lung resistance and reactance, indicating potential breathing difficulties 4.
- However, another study on the rationale, design, and methods for a Coreg Heart Failure Registry (COHERE) does not mention breathing difficulties as a common side effect of carvedilol 5.
- It is essential to note that the occurrence of adverse respiratory disorders (ARDs) should be taken into account in each individual patient, and the possibility of ARDs can be reduced to a minimum or prevented if some drugs are avoided or stopped in time 3.
Respiratory Side Effects of Beta-Blockers
- Beta-blockers can induce asthma, and nonselective beta-blockers are more likely to cause bronchospasm than cardioselective beta-blockers 3.
- A study on dyspnea, asthma, and bronchospasm in relation to treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors found that beta-blockers can cause respiratory symptoms, such as dyspnea and bronchospasm, in some patients 6.
- The frequency dependence of resistance and reactance changed significantly in response to bronchoconstriction with carvedilol, indicating potential respiratory side effects 4.
Individual Patient Response
- The decision to use carvedilol is entirely at the discretion of the physician, based on evidence of heart failure as judged by assessments the practitioner usually uses 5.
- Patients receiving carvedilol should be monitored for potential respiratory side effects, such as dyspnea and bronchospasm, and the drug should be avoided or stopped if necessary 3, 6, 4.