Carvedilol
Also known as: Coreg, Coreg CR, Eucardic
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Strict Dosing:** Give this medication *exactly* as your veterinarian prescribes. **Do not stop the medication abruptly** without the approval and guidance of your veterinarian, as this can cause a dangerous rebound effect on the heart. * **Watch for Worsening Signs:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet's condition worsens while receiving this medication (e.g., increased coughing, difficulty breathing). * **Monitor for Side Effects:** Call your vet if your pet shows signs of reduced appetite, severe fatigue or listlessness, dizziness, or unsteadiness (which may indicate low blood pressure). * **Administration:** This medication is best given with food to help with absorption and reduce the risk of sudden blood pressure drops.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Heart failure (adjunctive therapy)
- Early/mild heart failure or later stages of CHF
- Heart failure (target plasma concentration)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Chronic heart failure / Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- ACVIM stage B2 degenerative mitral valve disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Inappetence
- Lassitude (lethargy/fatigue)
- Hypotension
- Decompensation of heart failure (if titrated too rapidly)
- Bronchospasm (reported in humans)
- Mild hepatocellular injury (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Class IV decompensated heart failure
- Bronchial asthma
- 2nd or 3rd degree AV block
- Sick sinus syndrome (unless artificially paced)
- Severe bradycardia
- Cardiogenic shock
- Hypersensitivity to the drug
- > **Black Box Warning Equivalent:** Too rapid beta blockade can cause decompensation in patients with heart failure; cautious dosage titration is mandatory. * **Hepatic Insufficiency:** Because the drug is extensively metabolized in the liver, patients with hepatic insufficiency should receive the drug with caution. * **Pregnancy/Nursing:** FDA Category C. Increased post-implantation loss seen in animal studies. Unknown if it enters canine milk, but does enter rat milk. Use with caution in nursing patients.
Drug interactions
- Beta-Blockers (other): Use with carvedilol may cause additive effects
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil): May rarely cause hemodynamic compromise
- Cimetidine: May decrease metabolism and increase AUC of carvedilol
- Clonidine: Carvedilol may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of clonidine
- Cyclosporine: Carvedilol may increase cyclosporine levels
- Digoxin: Can increase digoxin plasma concentrations by approximately 15%
- Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Quinidine: May increase R(+)carvedilol concentrations and increase alpha-1 blocking effects (vasodilation)
- Insulin / Oral Antidiabetic Agents: Carvedilol may enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of insulin or other antidiabetic agents
- Rifampin: Can decrease carvedilol plasma concentrations by as much as 70%
- Reserpine: Can cause increased bradycardia and hypotension in patients taking carvedilol
- Anaesthetic agents: Enhanced hypotensive effect and myocardial depression
Frequently asked questions
What is Carvedilol used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Strict Dosing:** Give this medication *exactly* as your veterinarian prescribes. **Do not stop the medication abruptly** without the approval and guidance of your veterinarian, as this can cause a dangerous rebound effect on the heart. * **Watch for Worsening Signs:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet's condition worsens while receiving this medication (e.g., increased coughing, difficulty breathing). * **Monitor for Side Effects:** Call your vet if your pet shows signs of reduced appetite, severe fatigue or listlessness, dizziness, or unsteadiness (which may indicate low blood pressure). * **Administration:** This medication is best given with food to help with absorption and reduce the risk of sudden blood pressure drops.
Is Carvedilol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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