Description:

Carvedilol 12.5mg Tablets is a non-selective beta-blocker with additional alpha-1 blocking activity. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic heart failure (as an adjunct to standard therapy), and left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction. It lowers blood pressure by reducing heart rate and cardiac output (beta-blockade) and by causing vasodilation (alpha-1 blockade), which makes it particularly useful in heart failure patients.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

Non-selective Beta-blocker with Alpha-1 Blocking Activity / Antihypertensive / Heart Failure Treatment (Vasodilating beta-blocker).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Carvedilol – 12.5 mg. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, povidone, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol, and iron oxides (for coloring). Tablets are usually white to off-white, round or oval, film-coated, and may be scored.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Carvedilol 12.5mg film-coated tablets (standard intermediate strength). Related variants: Carvedilol 6.25mg (starting dose), 25mg, and 50mg tablets. The 12.5mg strength is frequently used for dose titration in hypertension and heart failure.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage:

• Hypertension: Starting dose usually 6.25 mg twice daily; titrate to 12.5 mg twice daily, then up to 25 mg twice daily if needed.
• Heart failure: Starting dose 3.125 mg twice daily; gradually titrate up to 25 mg twice daily (or 50 mg twice daily in patients >85 kg).
• Take with food to reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
• Do not stop suddenly (risk of rebound hypertension or worsening heart failure – taper gradually under medical supervision).
• Duration: Long-term for most indications; regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and symptoms required.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dizziness, light headedness (especially when standing).
• Fatigue, weakness.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Hypotension.
• Diarrhoea.
• Weight gain (in heart failure patients). Less common: Cold extremities, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, shortness of breath. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe bradycardia, heart block, worsening heart failure, bronchospasm (in asthmatics), or severe allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 3×10 = 30 tablets or 10×10 = 100 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in severe bradycardia, second/third-degree heart block (without pacemaker), cardiogenic shock, decompensated heart failure, severe asthma/COPD, or hypersensitivity.
• Caution in diabetes (masks hypoglycaemia symptoms), peripheral vascular disease, renal/hepatic impairment, or concurrent use of other antihypertensive (additive hypotension).
• Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly, especially when starting or increasing dose.
• Do not stop abruptly (risk of rebound effects and worsening heart failure).
• If severe dizziness, slow pulse, worsening shortness of breath, or swelling occurs, seek medical care immediately.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar carvedilol 12.5mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic carvedilol 12.5mg tablets (various importers).
• Carvedilol Sandoz or other generic brands.
• Coreg (original GSK brand if stocked). Alternatives: Bisoprolol, metoprolol, nebivolol (other beta-blockers), or non-beta-blocker antihypertensive (amlodipine, losartan).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Vega Pharmaceuticals.

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom.