Beta Blocker Instructions

About this Medication:

1. The common beta blockers used to treat heart failure are carvediolol (Coreg) or metoprolol (Toprol XL).
2. Prescribed to help your heart pump more efficiently.
3. May lower your blood pressure and/or heart rate.

How should I take this medication?

1. Take this medication as ordered, even if you are feeling fine.
2. Take your medicine with meals (unless told not to). This will help decrease the incidence of dizziness caused by low blood pressure.
3. If you forget to take your medicine, do not double up on your next dose. This medicine affects your heart; it is not good to miss doses or to stop the medicine suddenly.

What else should I do while I take this medication?

1. Weigh yourself as soon as you wake up in the morning each day. Record your weight and bring it with you to the doctor's office.
2. If your weight is up by 3 or more pounds each day for 2 days in a row, call the office and ask to speak with a nurse. Your weight will most likely increase before you see swelling in you feet and ankles and before you become short of breath. We can make adjustments in your medications to correct your weight and prevent breathing problems.
3. Should you wake up in the middle of the night and feel short of breath, you should call the office and they will page the doctor.
4. Please check with your doctor about fluid restrictions and avoid salt and salty foods.

Medication interactions:

1. Should another doctor start you on any new medications, supplements, herbal medications, or over the counter medications, please call to notify us so we have an accurate and current list of your medications and bring it with you to the doctor's office.