Carvedilol Side Effects

Adverse effects are possible with the use of carvedilol. Side effects that are most common in people treating congestive heart failure include low blood pressure, weight gain, and diarrhea. The most common side effects reported in those with high blood pressure were slow heart rate, insomnia, and dizziness. Serious carvedilol side effects, such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing, should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

 

Carvedilol Side Effects: An Overview

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with carvedilol (Coreg®). However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate carvedilol quite well. If side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
(The carvedilol side effects discussed below are not a complete list of reported side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Common Carvedilol Side Effects

Carvedilol has been studied extensively in people with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and recent heart attack. In these clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine.
 
Congestive Heart Failure
Based on these studies, the most common carvedilol side effects seen in people with mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure or following a heart attack include:
 
  • Dizziness -- up to 32 percent of people
  • Low blood pressure -- up to 14 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 12 percent
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) -- up to 12 percent (see Coreg and Blood Sugar)
  • Increase in weight -- up to 12 percent (see Coreg and Weight Gain).
  • Slow heart rate -- up to 10 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 9 percent.
     
Other common side effects of carvedilol (occurring in more than 3 percent of people with congestive heart failure or those following a heart attack) include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Swelling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vomiting
  • Fainting (syncope)
  • Changes in vision
  • Anemia.
     
High Blood Pressure
The most common carvedilol side effects seen in people with high blood pressure include:
 
  • Dizziness -- up to 6 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 2 percent
  • Slow heart rate -- up to 2 percent
  • Drop in blood pressure when standing from either a sitting or lying down position -- up to 2 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 2 percent.
     
Side effects tend to get worse with increasing doses.
 
(Carvedilol Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;