Carca 25

CARCA 25 Tablet

CARCA 25 Tablet, manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., is a cardiovascular medication primarily used to manage various heart conditions.

Composition

Each CARCA 25 Tablet contains 25 mg of Carvedilol. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking both beta and alpha receptors, which helps in relaxing blood vessels, slowing the heart rate, and reducing the heart's workload.

Uses

CARCA 25 Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of:

• High blood pressure (Hypertension): It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing strain on the heart, thus preventing complications like stroke and heart attack.
• Heart-related chest pain (Angina): It improves blood flow to the heart, alleviating chest pain.
• Heart failure: It enhances the heart's pumping efficiency, improves blood circulation, and reduces symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
• It also helps reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in adults.

Dosage and Administration

CARCA 25 Tablet should be taken orally, with food, as directed by a healthcare professional. It is usually advised to take it at the same time each day for optimal results. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it. Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor, as abrupt cessation can worsen your condition.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness, headache, and fatigue
• Decreased blood pressure (especially upon standing) and slow heartbeat
• Diarrhea, stomach pains, constipation
• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Dry eyes, vision problems
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Tingling and numbness in hands or feet

Serious Side Effects:

• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating
• Decreased urination with swelling of legs (indicating kidney problems)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which may lead to seizures or unconsciousness.
• Fainting, severe shortness of breath, or swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Carvedilol or any other ingredients in CARCA 25.
• Contraindications: Avoid if you have conditions like bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, severe liver disease, heart block, slow heart rate, or sick sinus syndrome.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use with caution during pregnancy, and it is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor.
• Under 18 years: Not suitable for individuals under 18 years of age.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness, so caution is advised.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and side effects.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution if you have diabetes (it can mask hypoglycemia symptoms), Raynaud's syndrome, thyroid issues, or impaired kidney function.
• Surgery: Inform your healthcare provider about your use of CARCA 25 before any scheduled surgery.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially diltiazem or verapamil, as well as insulin or metformin. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Storage

Store CARCA 25 Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, at room temperature (10°C to 25°C or below 30°C). Keep it out of sight and reach of children.

CARCA 25 by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD is a medication containing Carvedilol, which is a beta-blocker used to treat various heart and blood pressure conditions.

What is CARCA 25 used for?

CARCA 25 (Carvedilol) is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart-related chest pain (angina), and heart failure. It can also be used to improve heart function after a heart attack, specifically in cases of left ventricular dysfunction.

How does CARCA 25 work?

Carvedilol belongs to a class of drugs called alpha and beta-blockers. It works by blocking certain receptors (beta-1, beta-2, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors) in the heart and blood vessels. This action slows down the heart rate, reduces the force of heart contractions, and causes blood vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation). This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the overall strain on the heart.

What is the usual dosage for CARCA 25?

The dosage of CARCA 25 (Carvedilol) is highly individualized and depends on the condition being treated. For hypertension, the usual starting dose is 6.25 mg twice a day, which may be increased to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily. For heart failure, treatment typically starts at 3.125 mg twice a day and is gradually increased, potentially up to 25 mg to 50 mg twice daily, depending on tolerance and patient weight. Your doctor will carefully adjust the dose. CARCA 25 mg is a 25 mg tablet.

What are the possible side effects of CARCA 25?

Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, weight gain, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, headache, and nausea. More serious side effects, though less common, can include severely low blood pressure or heart rate, worsening heart failure (especially when starting treatment or increasing dosage), and allergic reactions.

Is CARCA 25 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CARCA 25 (Carvedilol) is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as other medications with more established safety profiles are often preferred. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss alternative medications with your doctor. For breastfeeding, there is limited published data on carvedilol excretion into breast milk, but due to its properties, it is considered a low risk to the infant. However, safer alternatives such as Labetalol or Propranolol are often preferred, especially for newborns or premature infants. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding.

Can CARCA 25 be taken with other medications?

Carvedilol can interact with various medications. It should be used with caution with other heart rhythm drugs (like digoxin, amiodarone), other blood pressure-lowering medications (including other beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers like verapamil and diltiazem, and clonidine), and diabetes medications, as it can affect blood sugar levels and mask hypoglycemia symptoms. It may also interact with cyclosporine. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken with CARCA 25?

Do not stop taking CARCA 25 suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen your condition or lead to serious heart problems. Take this medication with food to help reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. Exercise caution if you have respiratory conditions (like asthma or emphysema), certain heart conditions (e.g., AV block, very slow heart rate), liver problems, or diabetes, as carvedilol can mask symptoms of low blood sugar. It can cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery.

What happens if a dose of CARCA 25 is missed?

If you miss a dose of CARCA 25, 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 a missed one.

How should CARCA 25 be stored?

Store CARCA 25 tablets at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablets dry and in a closed container, out of reach of children.