Description:

Carvedilol 3.125 mg is a non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity. It relaxes blood vessels, slows heart rate, and reduces the workload on the heart. The 3.125 mg strength is primarily the starting dose for stable chronic heart failure (adjunctive therapy), and it is also used for hypertension and stable angina.

Prescription:

• Yes, it is a prescription-only medication (POM in the UK). It requires a doctor’s prescription and close medical supervision, especially when starting or increasing the dose.

Therapeutic Category:

• Cardiovascular agent; Beta-blocker (non-cardioselective with alpha-1 blocking properties); Antihypertensive; Treatment for chronic heart failure, hypertension, and stable angina.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Carvedilol 3.125 mg per tablet.

Variant:

• 3.125 mg film-coated tablets (lowest/starting strength).
• Other available strengths: 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg.

Consume Type:

• Oral film-coated tablets (swallow whole with fluid; do not crush or chew unless advised by your doctor).

Directions/Usage :

• (UK standard for heart failure — the most common reason for starting at 3.125 mg):
• Starting dose: 3.125 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for the first 2 weeks.
• The dose is then increased gradually every 2 weeks (to 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, then up to 25 mg twice daily) as tolerated, under doctor supervision.
• Take with food to improve absorption and reduce dizziness/low blood pressure.
• For hypertension: Usually starts higher (12.5 mg once daily), but lower doses may be used in sensitive patients.
• Follow your doctor’s exact instructions. Do not stop suddenly.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially on standing), fatigue/tiredness, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea, headache, cold hands/feet, weight gain, or swelling in ankles/legs. These are often more noticeable when starting treatment or increasing the dose.

Package Type:

• Blister packs, commonly 28 tablets (4 × 7) or 30 tablets; also available in 50 or 100 tablet packs (hospital packs may be larger).

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original blister pack and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not stop abruptly — this can cause rebound high blood pressure or worsening heart symptoms (dose must be tapered under medical advice).
• Tell your doctor if you have asthma/COPD, diabetes (may mask low blood sugar symptoms), liver/kidney problems, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
• May cause dizziness — avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and weight is important.
• Seek urgent medical help for severe dizziness, fainting, very slow/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling.
• In the UK, report side effects via the Yellow Card scheme.

Product Substitutes:

• Other generic Carvedilol 3.125 mg tablets (e.g., from Milpharm/Aurobindo, Accord, or other UK suppliers). Brand name equivalent in some countries: Coreg.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Teva UK Limited, Ridings Point, Whistler Drive, Castleford, WF10 5HX, United Kingdom.

Country of Origin:

• United Kingdom