Carvistar 12.5 Mg Tab

CARVISTAR 12.5 MG TABLET by LUPIN LTD.

Name

Common Name: Carvedilol Brand Name: Carvistar 12.5 Tablet

Composition

Carvistar 12.5 Tablet contains Carvedilol as its active ingredient, at a strength of 12.5 mg.

Uses

Carvistar 12.5 Tablet is primarily used to manage various heart conditions. It is prescribed for:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It relaxes blood vessels, slowing heart rate and reducing the heart's force, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
• Angina (Heart-related Chest Pain): It improves blood flow to the heart, ensuring adequate oxygen supply and reducing the frequency of angina attacks.
• Heart Failure (Moderate to Severe): It improves the heart's pumping efficiency, reduces symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, and lowers the risk of hospitalization.
• Left Ventricular Dysfunction: It is used after a heart attack to improve survival and prevent further heart damage if the heart does not pump well.

Dosage and Administration

Carvistar 12.5 Tablet should be taken as directed by a doctor, typically once or twice daily, with food to minimize stomach upset. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can increase blood pressure and risk heart problems. Dosage varies based on the condition; for hypertension, initial doses might be 12.5 mg once daily, increasing to 25 mg once daily after two days. For heart failure, it might start at 3.125 mg twice daily, gradually increasing.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects: Dizziness, headache, tiredness, weakness, low blood pressure (especially upon standing), slow heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, weight gain, fluid retention, dry eyes, and changes in blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Serious Side Effects: Fainting, shortness of breath, severe chest pains, very low blood sugar, decreased urination with swelling (indicating kidney problems), or severe allergic reactions like rash or difficulty breathing. Consult a doctor immediately if these occur.

Precautions

• Avoid if allergic to Carvedilol or with severe heart failure, lung conditions (bronchitis, asthma), severe liver disease, heart block, or very slow heart rate.
• Use with caution in diabetic patients, as it may mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
• Alcohol consumption is unsafe as it can increase the risk of low blood pressure and adverse effects like dizziness.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before use.
• Inform your doctor about any pre-existing heart, kidney, or thyroid conditions.
• Not recommended for children below 18 years.

Storage

Store Carvistar 12.5 Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. Store at temperatures ideally between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

What is Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet used for?

Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat various heart conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), mild to severe chronic heart failure, and angina (heart-related chest pain). It also helps reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and can be used after a heart attack to improve survival chances if the heart is not pumping efficiently.

How does Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet work?

Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet contains Carvedilol, which is a non-selective beta-blocker with additional alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocking properties. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which improves blood flow throughout the body. Additionally, it slows down the heart rate and decreases the force of heart contractions, thereby reducing the workload on the heart and lowering blood pressure.

What is the usual dosage for Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet?

The dosage of Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your specific condition and response to the medication. It is typically taken orally, usually once or twice daily, and often recommended to be taken with food to minimize stomach upset and enhance absorption. It's crucial to swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water without crushing or chewing it, and to follow your doctor's prescribed dosage exactly. Do not exceed the recommended dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet?

Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and weight gain. Other reported common side effects include dry eyes, increased blood sugar levels, weakness, stomach pains, constipation, tingling and numbness, and fluid retention.

Serious side effects, though less common, require immediate medical attention. These include fainting, shortness of breath, swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, chest pain, slow or irregular heartbeat, rash, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Is Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet should generally be avoided unless your doctor determines that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is classified as a Category C pregnancy drug.

For breastfeeding mothers, Carvedilol (the active ingredient) can pass into breast milk. Therefore, it is generally advised to discuss with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding, and they may suggest alternative therapies or advise against breastfeeding.

Can Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet can interact with various medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take. Potential interactions include other heart medications, certain antidepressants (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), anti-diabetic medications (e.g., insulin, metformin), and clonidine. Corticosteroids may decrease its effect. It is not recommended with bronchodilators like salbutamol or formoterol.

Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it can increase the risk of low blood pressure and dizziness. Grapefruit juice can also increase the levels of Carvedilol in your body, potentially leading to more side effects.

What precautions should be taken while using Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Do not stop abruptly: Suddenly discontinuing the medication can worsen your condition and may increase the risk of side effects like chest pain and heart attack.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have conditions like asthma, bronchitis, severe liver disease, heart block, slow heart rate, sick sinus syndrome, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, low blood pressure, phaeochromocytoma, or Raynaud's syndrome.
• Dizziness: This medicine can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you first start taking it or when the dose is increased. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. To reduce dizziness, sit or stand up slowly.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely as Carvistar can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar and may affect blood glucose levels.
• Surgery: Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Carvistar before any planned surgery, including dental or eye surgery.
• Children and Elderly: This medicine is generally not recommended for children under 18 years of age. Caution is advised in elderly patients.

What happens if a dose of Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

How should Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet be stored?

Carvistar 12.5 mg Tablet should be stored at room temperature, ideally below 30°C. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Ensure it is kept out of reach of children and pets. Always check the expiry date before use and do not use the product if it has expired.