Indication of Kredex:
Kredex is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also used in conjunction with other agents in the treatment of mild to severe congestive heart failure (CHF).
Action of Kredex:
Carvedilol is from the family of drugs known as beta-blockers. It blocks receptors in the heart, causing it to slow down. Carvedilol also has activity on other receptors known as alpha-receptors, which are found on blood vessels. It is via alpha-receptor blockade that it reduces blood pressure.
Dose Advice of Kredex:
Hypertension-once daily dosing is recommendedAdults-125mg daily for the first two days-25mg daily thereafter-if needed, dosage may be increased at two week intervals to a maximum of 50mg/day-50mg can be given as one dose or divided dosesElderly-125mg daily initially-if response is inadequate dose can be increased at two weekly intervals to a maximum of 50mg/dayAn alternative to increasing dose is to combine Carvedilol with other antihypertensive agents such as diuretics.Symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF)-dose must be individualised and closely monitored by doctor during up-titration-doses of all other cardiac medications should be stabilised before initiating Carvedilol-starting dose is 3125mg twice daily for two weeks-if this dose is tolerated, increase at two-weekly intervals to 6.25mg twice daily then 125mg, then 25mg-in patients less than 85kg, 25mg twice daily is the maximum recommended dosage-patients heavier than 85kg may have their dose increased to 50mg twice daily-all patients with severe CHF should have no more than 25mg twice daily-before each dose increase patients should be evaluated for worsening heart failure, vasodilation and bradycardia-if side effects occur, it may be necessary to reduce the dose or even stop Carvedilol temporarily-if it is stopped for longer than two weeks, therapy should be restarted at 3125mg and titrated as before-dosage adjustments are not required for patients with renal failure, however close observation and caution are necessary in these patients
Schedule of Kredex:
S4
Common side effects of Kredex:
Side effects that occurred in greater than 2% of patients include: -fatigue-chest pain-pain-slow heart rate-low blood pressure-dizziness-headache-diarrhoea-nausea-abdominal pain-vomiting-increased blood sugar level-weight gain-gout-back pain-joint aches-upper respiratory tract infection
Uncommon side effects of Kredex:
Side effects that occurred less commonly included: -swelling of extremities-allergy-malaise-postural hypotension (feeling lightheaded on standing)-vertigo-black stools-oversleeping-impotence-low blood sugar level
