CARVEDILOL - COREG ® COMMON USES: Carvedilol is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. It also is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Carvedilol is a combination of two classes of drugs called beta-blockers and alpha-blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Carvedilol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with food. You will start out taking a low dose of carvedilol, and your doctor will increase your dose every 1 to 2 weeks until you are taking a dose that works well for you. When you start carvedilol and whenever your doctor increases your dose you will be closely watched to make sure the dose is not too high for you. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take carvedilol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Carvedilol controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Your blood pressure should lower within 30 minutes and your symptoms of heart failure should begin to improve within the first hour of beginning carvedilol. Continue taking carvedilol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking carvedilol without talking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping carvedilol can worsen your symptoms. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Carvedilol also is used occasionally to treat angina (chest pain) and heart muscle disease. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Brand names: Coreg® Coreg® Tiltabs®