Carvedilol for Dogs - 12.5mg, 1 tablet - [Cardiovascular Support]

Carvedilol is a multiple-action cardiovascular agent that is further categorized as a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist and a vasodilator. A veterinarian should provide consultation about the safety and efficacy of this generic pharmaceutical.

Key Benefits

• Treatment of congestive cardiac failure (sometimes in association with other pharmacologic therapies)
• Management of hypertension

It is important to follow your veterinarian's prescription instructions for your pet.

In dogs, the usual dose of Carvedilol is 0.1 to 0.2 mg per pound (0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg) every 24 hours.

Carvedilol should be ideally given with food.

The dose of Carvedilol may be gradually increased over time.

Precautions and Possible Side Effects:

This drug is considered generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, carvedilol can cause side effects in some animals.

Carvedilol should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

It is contraindicated in patients with bronchospastic conditions, cardiogenic shock, decompensated heart failure requiring inotropic therapy, severe liver impairment, A-V block, sick sinus syndrome, and severe bradycardia.

In patients with diabetes or thyroid disease, carvedilol can mask the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism, including tachycardia. Furthermore, it may potentiate insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

Side effects of carvedilol include fatigue, diarrhea, bradycardia, edema, sleeplessness, dyspnea and urinary tract infections.

Liver function abnormalities have been noted in humans; however, no deaths have been reported.

During treatment with carvedilol, cardiovascular parameters, such as blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiograms (ECG) should be monitored and it is prudent to check a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistries periodically during prolonged therapy.

Possible Drug Interactions:

Carvedilol may interact with other medications. Discuss with your Veterinarians the drugs your pet is currently taking to determine if Carvedilol could interact with them. Possible drug interactions:

• Carvedilol may mask signs of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetic medications
• When used with calcium channel blockers it may cause cardiac conduction disturbances
• Cimetidine may increase the plasma concentration of carvedilol by 30%
• Alpha-2 blockers (e.g. detomidine, xylazine) may potentiate the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of carvedilol
• The plasma concentration of digoxin is increased by 15% when used concomitantly with a beta blocker, like carvedilol
• Rifampin reduces carvedilol's plasma concentration by ~ 70%
• SSRIs may inhibit the metabolism of some beta blockers.
• Diphenhydramine may inhibit the metabolism of carvedilol, increasing its pharmacologic and side effects
• Clearance of disopyramide from plasma may be reduced by carvedilol