All concepts, explanations, trials, and studies have been re-written in plain English and may contain errors. I am not a doctor ----------------------------------------------------------- Questions & Answers about Coreg from RxList ------------------------------------------- Q) What should my doctor know before I take Coreg? A) They need to know if you have any of the following: asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm circulation problems depression diabetes emphysema, or other lung disease history of heart attack or heart disease liver disease muscle weakness or disease psoriasis thyroid disease an unusual or allergic reaction to beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives pregnant or trying to get pregnant breast-feeding Q) How should I take this medicine? A) Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take Coreg with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking Coreg except on your doctor's order! Q) What if I miss a dose? A) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be 12 hours between doses. Q) What other medicines can interact with Coreg? A) cimetidine digoxin diltiazem medicines for colds and breathing difficulties medicines for diabetes medicines for high blood pressure rifampin verapamil water pills (diuretics) Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Coreg works. Q) What side effects may I notice from taking Coreg? A) Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible: continued loss of appetite difficulty breathing, wheezing dizziness or fainting spells dark urine flu-like symptoms irregular heartbeat skin rash slower heart rate than expected swollen legs or ankles vomiting weight gain yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention but which you should report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome: back pain diarrhea dry eyes (especially if wearing contact lenses) dry, itching skin headache insomnia nausea sore throat unusual tiredness Q) What do I need to watch for while I take Coreg? A) Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking Coreg. Ask your doctor what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him. Contact your doctor if you have difficulty breathing while taking this drug. Check your weight daily. Ask your doctor when you should notify him of any weight gain. Do not stop taking Coreg suddenly. This could lead to very serious heart-related problems. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how Coreg affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and it can increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. It is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. Coreg may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. If you are going to have surgery, tell doctor that you are taking Coreg.