Cardivas 12.5 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

What is CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET used for?

CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET, which contains carvedilol as its active ingredient, is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure (mild to severe), and left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. It can also be used for stable angina, atrial fibrillation, and to prevent bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients, and to manage ventricular arrhythmias.

How does CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET work?

CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET belongs to a class of medicines called beta-blockers. It works by blocking both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, and also alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.

• Beta-blockade: It slows down the heart rate and reduces the force of heart muscle contractions, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
• Alpha-1 blockade: It widens blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improves blood flow. This also reduces the resistance the heart has to pump against (afterload), which is beneficial in heart failure. Additionally, carvedilol has antioxidant properties, which protect the heart and blood vessels from damage.

What is the usual dosage of CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET?

The dosage of Cardivas 12.5 mg varies depending on the condition being treated and is determined by your doctor.

• For Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): The usual initial dose for immediate-release tablets is 6.25 mg twice daily, which may be increased to 12.5 mg twice daily after 7-14 days, and then to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily if needed. An initial dose of 12.5 mg once daily, increasing to 25 mg once daily after 2 days, is also cited.
• For Heart Failure: The initial dose for immediate-release tablets typically starts at 3.125 mg twice daily for at least two weeks. The dose can then be gradually increased at intervals of at least two weeks to 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, and then 25 mg twice daily. The maximum dose is usually 25 mg twice daily for patients weighing 85 kg or less, and 50 mg twice daily for those weighing over 85 kg.
• For Left Ventricular Dysfunction after a Heart Attack: The initial dose for immediate-release tablets typically starts at 3.125 mg to 6.25 mg twice daily, with gradual increases to 12.5 mg and then 25 mg twice daily over intervals of 3-10 days. It is important to take this medication with food to help reduce the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure, especially during initial doses or when the dose is increased.

What are the possible side effects of CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include dizziness, lightheadedness, unusual tiredness or weakness, low blood pressure, diarrhea, headache, nausea, slower heart rate, and weight gain. More serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, include fainting, shortness of breath, swelling of the arms, hands, feet, or lower legs, sudden weight gain, chest pain, slow or irregular heartbeat, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Carvedilol can also worsen symptoms of heart failure in some patients.

Is CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Carvedilol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. For breastfeeding, it is not known how much carvedilol passes into breast milk, but levels are likely to be low, and it's unlikely to cause significant side effects in the baby. However, due to insufficient clinical data, alternative drugs may be preferred, especially for newborns or preterm infants. Your doctor will help you decide if you should take carvedilol or breastfeed.

Can CARDIVAS 12.5 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Carvedilol can interact with various medications, which may increase the risk or severity of adverse effects or alter the effectiveness of either drug.

• Heart rhythm drugs: Combining carvedilol with certain heart rhythm drugs (e.g., amiodarone, propafenone, quinidine) can slow your heart rate further.
• Other blood pressure medications: Using carvedilol with other blood pressure drugs, such as clonidine, or calcium channel blockers, can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and heart rate.
• Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, particularly those affecting CYP2D6 metabolism (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), can increase carvedilol levels.
• Diabetes medications: Carvedilol can increase the effectiveness of diabetes drugs and mask the symptoms of low blood sugar. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to check for potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

• Do not stop suddenly: Abruptly stopping carvedilol can worsen your condition, especially if you have heart disease, and may lead to severe angina, heart attack, or irregular heartbeats. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose if it needs to be discontinued.
• Dizziness/Lightheadedness: Carvedilol can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, particularly when you first start taking it or when the dose is increased. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Taking it with food can help reduce this risk. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Lung conditions: If you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, carvedilol may worsen breathing problems and should generally be avoided or used with caution.
• Diabetes: Carvedilol can cause low blood sugar and mask its symptoms. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
• Liver disease: Use with caution if you have liver disease.
• Surgery: Inform your surgeon and care team if you are taking carvedilol before any scheduled surgery or procedure.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you frequently miss doses, inform your doctor.

How should it be stored?

Store Cardivas 12.5 mg tablets as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. It is generally recommended to store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.