Cardivas (carvedilol) is a beta blocker most commonly used to lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart, and treat other cardiovascular issues. Less commonly it may be used to treat additional conditions as well, however all users should be aware that this medication will lower blood pressure to some extent.

The medication slows the rate at which the heart beats and relaxes blood vessels, which can prevent a number of very serious complications, improve quality of life, and extend duration of life. Other medications may also be used with Cardivas, though it may be be used on its own as well.

Treatment Overview

Cardivas comes in tablets in a variety of strengths. The ideal strength for a particular condition in a particular patient can be quite variable, depending on numerous factors from age and weigh to other medical conditions present. A doctor is best suited to consider all these factors and determine the ideal dosage.

General guidelines to reduce high blood pressure in otherwise healthy adults are:

• Start with 12.5 mg per day, taken in two 6.25 mg doses in morning and evening.
• After two weeks blood pressure should be evaluated. If the starting dose is insufficient, increase dosage to 25 mg per day, taken in two 12.5 mg doses.
• After two weeks dosage may again be increased if needed, to 50 mg per day in two 25 mg doses.
• Do not exceed 50 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.

Other conditions are really too variable to summarize, and even the above may deviate if other medical conditions are present, certain other medications are being taken, and so forth. Diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and other hypertension treatments are often used along with Cardivas; these can enhance results but can also cause serious complications if used improperly or if the condition is not monitored.

In addition to high blood pressure Cardivas can be used to treat:

• Congestive heart failure
• Angina Prevention
• Heart arrhythmia
• Physical anxiety symptoms
• Migraine headache prevention
• Other conditions

In treating angina and migraines the medication reduces the frequency and severity of attacks, but will do little to address currently happening attacks; rescue treatments like nitroglycerin or triptan medications may still be used to deal with an attack if it happens.

For anxiety Cardivas only addresses physical symptoms, such as pounding heartbeat, excessive sweating, trembling, and so forth; it will not address mental symptoms. In anxiety Cardivas is typically used sporadically as needed, such as prior to a flight. Other medications that do address mental symptoms are often also prescribed.

Both congestive heart failure and heart arrhythmias can be quite variable in dosage, and other medications are also usually administered along with Cardivas, which can further influence dosage.

In most cases treatment with Cardivas is long term, and may continue indefinitely provided the medication continues to provide benefit and no serious side effects develop. If treatment does end, it should not do so abruptly, especially if it has been taken long term. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan, in which dosage is slowly reduced.

Adverse Reactions

Patients should be aware that any other medical conditions or medications which influence heart rate, circulation, or blood pressure have potential to cause complications when taken with Cardivas. Discuss risks carefully with a doctor if there is any history of:

• Chronic breathing ailments, such as asthma or COPD
• Blood circulation problems
• Kidney or liver impairment
• Hyperthyroidism

Medications that may interact with Cardivas include:

• Steroids
• Antidepressants
• Heart or blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners
• Prostate treatments

The most common side effects associated with Cardivas are due to reduced blood pressure; it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, mild confusion, tingling toes and fingers and general (usually mild) fatigue, particularly if physically active or if standing up quickly. In most cases these symptoms will fade away in the first few weeks of treatment as the body adjusts to its new lower blood pressure.

Beta blockers are known to cause harm to unborn or nursing babies; this product should not be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding.