Carca 3.125 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET (15 TAB) by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Carvedilol

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Carvedilol 3.125 mg

Uses

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat various cardiovascular conditions. It works by relaxing blood vessels, slowing the heart rate, and reducing the heart's workload.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Helps lower high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
• Angina Pectoris (Heart-Related Chest Pain): Relieves chest pain by improving blood flow to the heart and ensuring a good oxygen supply.
• Heart Failure: Manages moderate to severe heart failure by improving the heart's pumping efficiency, reducing symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue, and lowering the risk of hospitalization.
• Post-Myocardial Infarction: Improves survival and prevents further heart damage in patients who have experienced a heart attack, especially those with left ventricular dysfunction.

Dosage and Administration

Carca 3.125 MG Tablet should be taken orally, preferably with food, to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. It is important to take the medicine regularly at the same time each day as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.

• For Heart Failure: The typical starting dose is 3.125 mg twice a day for two weeks. The dosage may be gradually increased by your doctor at intervals of not less than two weeks, based on tolerance and response, up to a maximum of 25 mg to 50 mg twice daily (depending on weight).
• For Hypertension and Angina: Initial doses are generally higher (e.g., 12.5 mg once daily or twice daily) and are titrated up as needed.
• Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, as it can worsen your condition. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to safely reduce the dosage if needed.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up quickly)
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Headache
• Weight gain or fluid retention
• Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pains, or constipation
• Cold hands and feet
• Abnormal blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if you experience):

• Fainting
• Severe dizziness
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Chest pain (worsening or severe)
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Rash, hives, or itching
• Difficulty swallowing
• Signs of kidney problems (e.g., passing less urine)

Precautions

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting.
• Pregnancy: Carca 3.125 MG Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
• Breastfeeding: Carca 3.125 MG Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding, but it's important to discuss with your doctor.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver disease; it is contraindicated in severe liver disease.
• Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease, especially if blood pressure is low or kidney function is already impaired.
• Respiratory Problems: Avoid if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing problems.
• Heart Conditions: Contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure in the ICU, certain intravenous inotropic medications, slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, or sick sinus syndrome.
• Diabetes: May affect blood sugar control; close monitoring of glucose levels is necessary.
• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to carvedilol or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness, affect vision, or make you feel sleepy. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as Carca 3.125 MG Tablet can interact with various medications (e.g., other blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, rifampin, calcium channel blockers, digoxin).

Storage

• Store below 25°C or 30°C in a cool and dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are some frequently asked questions about CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET:

What is CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET used for?

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart-related chest pain (angina), and heart failure. It also helps in preventing future heart attacks and strokes, and can be used to improve survival after a heart attack and manage left ventricular dysfunction.

How does CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET work?

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET contains Carvedilol, which is an alpha and beta-blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood more efficiently throughout the body. This action helps to lower blood pressure, reduce the heart's workload, and ensure a better oxygen supply to the heart.

What is the usual dosage for CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET?

The dosage of CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your specific condition. It is typically taken with food. For heart failure, a common starting dose is 3.125 mg twice a day for two weeks, which can then be gradually increased if tolerated. For high blood pressure, an initial dose of 6.25 mg twice daily is often recommended and can be adjusted after 7 to 14 days. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and not to stop the medicine without consulting them.

What are the possible side effects of CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, breathlessness, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, tingling/numbness, fluid retention, and weight gain. Some individuals might also experience increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Serious side effects like fainting, severe shortness of breath, significant weight gain, swelling of extremities, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat should prompt immediate medical attention.

Is CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, and is generally not recommended due to limited safety information and potential adverse effects on the fetus observed in animal studies. It is important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. For breastfeeding, the medicine passes into breast milk, so it's advisable to consult your doctor, who may suggest alternative therapy or careful monitoring.

Can CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET can interact with several other medications. For example, it can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of other antihypertensives like amlodipine or lisinopril, potentially leading to very low blood pressure. It may also affect the action of diabetes medications like insulin, requiring close monitoring of blood glucose levels. Antibiotics such as rifampin may decrease its effectiveness, while heart medications like digoxin can increase the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid possible interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET?

Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase the risk of low blood pressure and dizziness. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it can worsen your condition or cause rebound high blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you have conditions like asthma or other breathing problems, severe heart failure, very slow or irregular heartbeat, severe liver problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, or kidney disease. CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET may cause dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

What happens if a dose of CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET be stored?

CARCA 3.125 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children and pets. Ensure the tablets are used before the expiry date.