英文药名: Coreg(Carvedilol Tablets) 中文药名: 卡维地洛片 生产厂家: Roche Pharmaceuticals 药品名称 通用名: 卡维地洛片 英文名: CARVEDILOL TABLETS 药品类别: 抗高血压药 性状: 本品为白色片。 适应症 1．原发性高血压：可单独用药，也可和其它降压药合用，尤其是噻嗪类利尿剂。 2．心功能不全：轻度或中度心功能不全(NYHA分级II或III级)，合并应用洋地黄类药物、利尿剂和血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂（ACEI）。也可用于ACEI不耐受和使用或不使用洋地黄类药物、肼屈嗪或硝酸酯类药物治疗的心功能不全者。 用法用量 剂量必须个体化，需在医师的密切监测下加量。 1. 高血压推荐起始剂量6.25mg/次，一日二次口服，如果可耐受，以服药后1小时的立位收缩压作为指导，维持该剂量7~14天，然后根据谷浓度时的血压，在需要的情况下增至 12.5mg/次，一日二次。同样，剂量可增至25mg/次，一日二次。一般在7~14天内达到完全的降压作用。总量不得超过50mg/日。本品须和食物一起服用，以减慢吸收，降低体位性低血压的发生。在本品的基础上加用利尿剂或在利尿剂的基础上加用本品，预计可产生累加作用，扩大本品的体位性作用。 2．心功能不全：在使用本品之前，洋地黄类药物、利尿剂和ACEI(如果应用)的剂量必须稳定。推荐起始剂量3.125mg/次，一日二次口服2周，如果可耐受，可增至6.25mg/次，一日二次。此后可每隔2周剂量加倍至患者可耐受的最大剂量。每次应用新剂量时，需观察患者有无眩晕或轻度头痛1小时。推荐最大剂量：<85kg者，25mg/次，一日二次；≥85kg者， 50mg/次，一日二次。本品须和食物一起服用，以减慢吸收，降低体位性低血压的发生。每次增加剂量前，经评估心功能不全情况，如心功能恶化、血管扩张(眩晕、轻度头痛、症状性低血压)或心动过缓症状，以确定对卡维地洛的耐受性。一过性心功能不全恶化可通过增加利尿剂剂量治疗，偶尔需要卡维地洛减量或暂时停药。血管扩张的症状对利尿剂或ACEI减量治疗有反应，如果症状不能缓解，可能需卡维地洛减量。心功能不全恶化或血管扩张的症状稳定后，才可增加本品剂量。如果心功能不全患者发生心动过缓(脉搏<55次/分)，必须减量。 任何疑问，请遵医嘱！ 不良反应 1. 高血压：发生率≥1%，不考虑因果关系的不良事件：乏力，心动过缓，体位性低血压，体位依赖性水肿，下肢水肿，眩晕，失眠，嗜睡，腹痛，腹泻，血小板减少，高脂血症，背痛，病毒感染，鼻炎，咽炎，呼吸困难，泌尿道感染。发生率>0.1%，<1%：四肢缺血，心动过速，运动功能减退，胆红素尿，转氨酶增高，胸骨下疼痛，水肿，焦虑，睡眠紊乱，抑郁加重，注意力不集中，思维异常，情绪不稳定，哮喘，男性性欲下降，瘙痒，红斑，斑丘疹，光过敏反应，耳鸣，尿频，口干，多汗，低钾，糖尿病，高脂血症，贫血，白细胞减少。发生率≤0.1%，但很重要：三度房室传导阻滞，束支传导阻滞，心肌缺血，脑血管障碍，惊厥，偏头痛，神经痛，脱发,剥脱性皮炎，健忘症，胃肠道出血，气管痉挛，肺水肿，听力下降，呼吸性碱中毒，尿素氮增高，高密度脂蛋白下降，全血细胞减少。 2. 心功能不全：发生率>2%，不考虑因果关系的不良事件：多汗，乏力，胸痛，疼痛，水肿，发热，下肢水肿，心动过缓，低血压，晕厥，房室传导阻滞，心绞痛恶化，眩晕，头痛，腹泻，恶心，腹痛，呕吐，血小板减少，体重增加，痛风，尿素氮增加，高脂血症，脱水，高血容量，背痛，关节痛，肌痛，上呼吸道感染，感染，鼻窦炎，气管炎，咽炎，泌尿道感染，血尿，视觉异常。发生率>1%，<2%：过敏，突然死亡，不适，低血容量，体位性低血压，感觉减退, 眩晕，黑便，牙周炎，谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶升高，高尿酸尿，低血糖，低血钠，碱性磷酸酶增加，尿糖呈阳性，紫癜，嗜睡，肾功能异常，白蛋白尿。罕见再生障碍性贫血的报道，并仅在合用与该事件有关的其它药物时发生。 禁忌症 1．NYHA分级IV级失代偿性心功能不全，需要静脉使用正性肌力药物患者； 2．气管痉挛(2例报道持续性哮喘患者服用单剂卡维地洛死亡)或相关的气管痉挛状态； 3．二度或三度房室传导阻滞； 4．病态窦房结综合症； 5．心源性休克； 6．严重心动过缓； 7．临床严重肝功能不全患者； 8．对本品过敏者禁用； 9．糖尿病酮症酸中毒、代谢性酸中毒。 注意事项 1．肝损害 卡维地洛治疗罕见轻度肝细胞损害。当出现肝功能障碍的首发症状（如瘙痒、尿色加深、持续食欲缺乏、黄疸、右上腹部压痛、不能解释的“流感样”症状) 时，必须进行实验室检查。如果实验室检查证实存在肝损害或黄疸，必须立即停药，不可重复使用。 2．外周血管疾病 β受体阻滞剂诱发或加重外周血管疾病患者的动脉血流不足症状。此类患者需小心使用。 3．麻醉和重大手术 如果周期性长期使用卡维地洛，当使用对心脏有抑制作用的麻醉剂如乙醚、三甲烯和三氯乙烯时，须加倍小心。 4．糖尿病和低血糖 β受体阻滞剂可能掩盖低血糖症状，尤其是心动过速。非选择性β受体阻滞剂可能增强胰岛素引起的低血糖，延迟血糖水平的恢复。易自发性低血糖者或接受胰岛素或口服降糖药的糖尿病患者使用卡维地洛时须小心谨慎。 5．甲状腺功能亢进中毒症状 β受体阻滞剂可能掩盖甲状腺功能亢进的症状，如心动过速。突然停用?-受体阻滞剂可能加重甲状腺功能亢进的症状或诱发甲状腺危象。 6．因卡维地洛具有β受体阻滞活性，不能突然停药，尤其是缺血性心脏病患者。必须1~2周以上逐渐停药。 7．临床试验中卡维地洛可导致心动过缓，当脉搏<55次/分，必须减量。 8．低血压、体位性低血压和晕厥在首次服药30天内发生的危险最高，为减少这些事件的发生，心功能不全患者的开始治疗剂量为3.125mg/次，一日二次；高血压患者为 6. 25mg/次，一日二次；缓慢加量，并且与食物同时服用。起始治疗期，患者必须小心避免如驾驶或危险操作等情况。 9．罕见心功能不全患者肾功能恶化，尤其是低血压(收缩压<100mmHg)、缺血性心脏病和弥漫性血管疾病、和/或潜在肾功能不全者。停药后肾功能恢复至基线水平。此类患者在加量时建议监测肾功能，如肾功能恶化，停药或减量。 10．卡维地洛加量期可能出现心功能不全恶化或体液潴留，必须增加利尿剂，卡维地洛不加量直到临床稳定。偶尔需要卡维地洛减量或暂时停药。 11．嗜铬细胞瘤患者在使用β受体阻滞剂之前应先使用α受体阻滞剂。虽然卡维地洛具有β受体和α受体阻滞活性，但尚无在这类患者中使用的临床经验。因此，怀疑嗜铬细胞瘤的患者使用卡维地洛时须小心。 12．变异性心绞痛患者使用非选择性β受体阻滞剂时可能诱发胸痛。虽然卡维地洛的α受体阻滞活性可能预防心绞痛的发生，但尚无在这类患者中使用的临床经验。因此，怀疑变异性心绞痛的患者使用卡维地洛时须小心。 13．过敏反应的危险：对许多过敏原有严重过敏病史的患者对重复使用可能发应更强烈，此类患者可能对治疗过敏的常规剂量肾上腺素无反应。 14．非过敏性气管痉挛（如慢性支气管炎和肺气肿）支气管痉挛疾病的患者一般禁止使用β受体阻滞剂。对其他降压药物无反应或不能耐受者可小心使用卡维地洛，应用最小的有效剂量，尽量减少对内源性或外源性β激动剂的抑制。 15．患者须知： ①无医师的同意下不得突然停药； ②充血性心力衰竭患者如果出现体重增加或呼吸困难增加等心功能恶化的症状时，必须向医师请教。 ③站位时血压可能下降，导致眩晕，罕见昏晕，这时坐下或躺下。 ④如果患者出现眩晕或昏晕，必须避免驾驶或危险工作。 ⑤当剂量必须调整时出现眩晕或昏晕，必须向医师请教。 ⑥必须和食物同时服用。 ⑦糖尿病患者必须向医师报告任何血糖水平的变化。 ⑧戴隐形眼镜者可能会出现流泪。 孕妇及哺乳期妇女用药 人体研究尚不充分，只有卡维地洛对胎儿的有益性大于危险性时，方可用于孕妇。是否分泌入人类的乳汁不清楚。许多其它β受体阻滞剂可分泌入乳汁，以及潜在的严重不良反应，如心动过缓，因此通过衡量药物对母亲的重要性，确定哺乳妇女应停药或停止哺乳。 儿童用药 年龄<18岁者的安全性和疗效尚不明确。 老年患者用药 老年与年轻心功能不全患者、高血压之间的疗效和不良事件的发生率无不同。 药物相互作用 1. CYP2D6抑制剂 无卡维地洛与CYP2D6抑制剂(如奎尼丁、氟西汀、帕罗西汀) 相互作用的研究，但预计该类药物将提高卡维地洛右旋体的浓度。回顾性分析表明，2D6 代谢不良者在加量期眩晕的发生率高，推测可能是由于浓度增高的具有α阻滞活性的右旋体的血管扩张作用。 2. 耗竭儿茶酚胺的药物 卡维地洛与可耗竭儿茶酚胺药物(如利血平、单氨氧化酶抑制剂) 同时服用，必须密切观察患者的低血压和/或严重心动过缓症状。 3. 地高辛 卡维地洛和地高辛同时服用，可增加血地高辛浓度15%。 4. 可乐定 与卡维地洛同时服用，可能增强降低血压和减慢心率的作用。在停用可乐定前几天应先停用卡维地洛，然后可乐定逐渐减量至停药。 5. 环胞素 增加环胞素的血谷浓度，环胞素需要减量以维持在治疗浓度之内。建议开始卡维地洛的治疗后密切监测环胞素浓度，适当调整环胞素剂量。 6. 肝代谢诱导剂和抑制剂 雷米封减少70%的卡维地洛血浆浓度。西米替丁使卡维地洛的AUC 增加30%，但Cmax无变化。 7. 钙拮抗剂 有报道与地尔硫卓合用发生传导障碍。建议与其它β受体阻滞剂一样，与维拉帕米或地尔硫卓类钙拮抗剂合用时，需监测心电图和血压。 8. 胰岛素或口服降糖药 具有β受体阻滞活性的药物可能增强胰岛素或口服降糖药降低血糖的作用，因此需监测血糖。 药物过量 药物过量可能导致严重低血压、心动过缓、心功能不全、心源性休克和心跳骤停，也可能出现呼吸系统问题、气管痉挛、呕吐、神志丧失和抽搐。患者应平卧位，如果需要可重病特别护理。可能使用洗胃和催吐剂。可能使用下列药物： 1．严重心动过缓：阿托品2mg 静脉注射。 2．支持心血管功能：每隔30秒胰高血糖素5~10mg IV，随后5mg/h静脉点滴。应及时给予心血管支持治疗，包括心肺监测、抬高下肢、注意循环血容量和尿量。根据体重和疗效使用拟交感神经药(如多巴胺、异丙肾、肾上腺素)。 3．如果外周血管扩张明显，在持续循环监测的条件下，可能需要使用异丙肾、肾上腺素。对于药物治疗无效的心动过缓，应安装起搏器。对于气管痉挛，应给于β拟交感神经药(气雾剂或静脉用药)或静脉用氨茶碱。抽搐时，缓慢静推安定或氯硝安定。 4．严重药物过量致休克时，解救药物过量的治疗药物必须持续使用至卡维地洛的 7~10个半衰期。 HYPERTENEVIDE-12.5  - carvedilol, arginine   Physician Therapeutics LLC Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. For further information about unapproved drugs, click here. ---------- HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION Carvedilol 12.5 mg These highlights do not include all the information needed to use carvedilol safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for carvedilol tablets, USP. Initial U.S. Approval: 1995 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Carvedilol is an alpha/beta-adrenergic blocking agent indicated for the treatment of: - Left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction in clinically stable patients (1.2) - Hypertension (1.3) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take with food. Individualize dosage and monitor during up-titration. (2) - Left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction: Start at 6.25 mg twice daily and increase to 12.5 mg then 25 mg twice daily after intervals of 3 to 10 days. A lower starting dose or slower titration may be used. (2.2) - Hypertension: Start at 6.25 mg twice daily and increase if needed for blood pressure control to 12.5 mg then 25 mg twice daily over intervals of 1 to 2 weeks. (2.3) DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablets: 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 mg (3) CONTRAINDICATIONS - Bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions (4) - Second- or third-degree AV block (4) - Sick sinus syndrome (4) - Severe bradycardia (unless permanent pacemaker in place) (4) - Patients in cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure requiring the use of IV inotropic therapy. (4) - Severe hepatic impairment (2.4, 4) - History of serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylactic reaction, angioedema) to any component of this medication or other medication containing carvedilol (4). WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS - Acute exacerbation of coronary artery disease upon cessation of therapy: Do not abruptly discontinue. (5.1) - Bradycardia, hypotension, worsening heart failure/fluid retention may occur. Reduce the dose as needed. (5.2, 5.3, 5.4) - Non-allergic bronchospasm (e.g., chronic bronchitis and emphysema): Avoid β-blockers. (4) However, if deemed necessary, use with caution and at lowest effective dose. (5.5) - Diabetes: Monitor glucose as β-blockers may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia or worsen hyperglycemia. (5.6)   ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse events (6.1): - Heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction (≥ 10%): Dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, asthenia, bradycardia, weight increase - Hypertension (≥ 5%): Dizziness To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Glenmark Generics Inc., USA at 1(888)721-7115 or www.glenmarkgenerics.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch DRUG INTERACTIONS - CYP P450 2D6 enzyme inhibitors may increase and rifampin may decrease carvedilol levels. (7.1, 7.5) - Hypotensive agents (e.g., reserpine, MAO inhibitors, clonidine) may increase the risk of hypotension and/or severe bradycardia. (7.2) - Cyclosporine or digoxin levels may increase. (7.3, 7.4) - Both digitalis glycosides and β-blockers slow atrioventricular conduction and decrease heart rate. Concomitant use can increase the risk of bradycardia. (7.4) - Amiodarone may increase carvedilol levels resulting in further slowing of the heart rate or cardiac conduction. (7.6) - Verapamil or diltiazem-type calcium channel blockers may affect ECG and/or blood pressure. (7.7) - Insulin and oral hypoglycemics action may be enhanced. (7.8) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Revised: 08/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------- FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 1.2 Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction Carvedilol Tablets, USP are indicated to reduce cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients who have survived the acute phase of a myocardial infarction and have a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤ 40% (with or without symptomatic heart failure) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. 1.3 Hypertension Carvedilol Tablets, USP are indicated for the management of essential hypertension [see Clinical Studies (14.3, 14.4)]. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, especially thiazide-type diuretics [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Carvedilol tablets, USP should be taken with food to slow the rate of absorption and reduce the incidence of orthostatic effects. 2.2 Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction DOSAGE MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED AND MONITORED DURING UP-TITRATION. Treatment with carvedilol tablets, USP may be started as an inpatient or outpatient and should be started after the patient is hemodynamically stable and fluid retention has been minimized. It is recommended that carvedilol tablets, USP be started at 6.25 mg twice daily and increased after 3 to 10 days, based on tolerability, to 12.5 mg twice daily, then again to the target dose of 25 mg twice daily. A lower starting dose may be used (3.125 mg twice daily) and/or the rate of up-titration may be slowed if clinically indicated (e.g., due to low blood pressure or heart rate, or fluid retention). Patients should be maintained on lower doses if higher doses are not tolerated. The recommended dosing regimen need not be altered in patients who received treatment with an IV or oral β-blocker during the acute phase of the myocardial infarction. 2.3 Hypertension DOSAGE MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED. The recommended starting dose of carvedilol tablets, USP is 6.25 mg twice daily. If this dose is tolerated, using standing systolic pressure measured about 1 hour after dosing as a guide, the dose should be maintained for 7 to 14 days, and then increased to 12.5 mg twice daily if needed, based on trough blood pressure, again using standing systolic pressure one hour after dosing as a guide for tolerance. This dose should also be maintained for 7 to 14 days and can then be adjusted upward to 25 mg twice daily if tolerated and needed. The full antihypertensive effect of carvedilol tablets, USP is seen within 7 to 14 days. Total daily dose should not exceed 50 mg. Concomitant administration with a diuretic can be expected to produce additive effects and exaggerate the orthostatic component of carvedilol action. 2.4 Hepatic Impairment Carvedilol tablets, USP should not be given to patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4)]. 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS The tablets are available in the following strengths: 3.125 mg — White, film coated circular shaped tablets with ‘G’ engraved on one side and plain on the other side, 6.25 mg — White, film coated circular shaped tablets with ‘G’ engraved on one side and ‘41’ on the other side, 12.5 mg — White, film coated capsule shaped tablets with ‘G’ engraved on one side and ‘164’ on the other side, 25 mg – White, film coated circular shaped tablets with ‘G41’ engraved on one side and ‘25’ on the other side. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Carvedilol is contraindicated in the following conditions: - Bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions. Deaths from status asthmaticus have been reported following single doses of carvedilol. - Second or third degree AV block - Sick sinus syndrome - Severe bradycardia (unless a permanent pacemaker is in place) - Patients with cardiogenic shock or who have decompensated heart failure requiring the use of intravenous inotropic therapy. Such patients should first be weaned from intravenous therapy before initiating carvedilol. - Patients with severe hepatic impairment - Patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylactic reaction, angioedema) to any component of this medication or other medication containing carvedilol. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Cessation of Therapy Patients with coronary artery disease, who are being treated with carvedilol, should be advised against abrupt discontinuation of therapy. Severe exacerbation of angina and the occurrence of myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in angina patients following the abrupt discontinuation of therapy with β-blockers. The last 2 complications may occur with or without preceding exacerbation of the angina pectoris. As with other β-blockers, when discontinuation of carvedilol is planned, the patients should be carefully observed and advised to limit physical activity to a minimum. Carvedilol should be discontinued over 1 to 2 weeks whenever possible. If the angina worsens or acute coronary insufficiency develops, it is recommended that carvedilol be promptly reinstituted, at least temporarily. Because coronary artery disease is common and may be unrecognized, it may be prudent not to discontinue therapy with carvedilol abruptly even in patients treated only for hypertension or heart failure. 5.2 Bradycardia In clinical trials, carvedilol caused bradycardia in about 2% of hypertensive patients, and 6.5% of myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular dysfunction. If pulse rate drops below 55 beats/minute, the dosage should be reduced. 5.3 Hypotension Postural hypotension occurred in 1.8% and syncope in 0.1% of hypertensive patients, primarily following the initial dose or at the time of dose increase and was a cause for discontinuation of therapy in 1% of patients. In the CAPRICORN study of survivors of an acute myocardial infarction, hypotension or postural hypotension occurred in 20.2% of patients receiving carvedilol compared to 12.6% of placebo patients. Syncope was reported in 3.9% and 1.9% of patients, respectively. These events were a cause for discontinuation of therapy in 2.5% of patients receiving carvedilol, compared to 0.2% of placebo patients. Starting with a low dose, administration with food, and gradual up-titration should decrease the likelihood of syncope or excessive hypotension [see Dosage and Administration (2.2,2.3)]. During initiation of therapy, the patient should be cautioned to avoid situations such as driving or hazardous tasks, where injury could result should syncope occur. 5.4 Heart Failure/Fluid Retention Worsening heart failure or fluid retention may occur during up-titration of carvedilol. If such symptoms occur, diuretics should be increased and the carvedilol dose should not be advanced until clinical stability resumes [see Dosage and Adminstration (2)]. Occasionally it is necessary to lower the carvedilol dose or temporarily discontinue it. Such episodes do not preclude subsequent successful titration of, or a favorable response to, carvedilol. . 5.5 Non-allergic Bronchospasm Patients with bronchospastic disease (e.g., chronic bronchitis and emphysema) should, in general, not receive β-blockers. Carvedilol may be used with caution, however, in patients who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive agents. It is prudent, if carvedilol is used, to use the smallest effective dose, so that inhibition of endogenous or exogenous β-agonists is minimized. In clinical trials, patients with bronchospastic disease were enrolled if they did not require oral or inhaled medication to treat their bronchospastic disease. In such patients, it is recommended that carvedilol be used with caution. The dosing recommendations should be followed closely and the dose should be lowered if any evidence of bronchospasm is observed during up-titration. 5.6 Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes In general, β-blockers may mask some of the manifestations of hypoglycemia, particularly tachycardia. Nonselective β-blockers may potentiate insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delay recovery of serum glucose levels. Patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia, or diabetic patients receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, should be cautioned about these possibilities. Studies designed to examine the effects of carvedilol on glycemic control in patients with diabetes and heart failure have not been conducted. In a study designed to examine the effects of carvedilol on glycemic control in a 161 population with mild-to-moderate hypertension and well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, carvedilol had no adverse effect on glycemic control, based on HbA1c measurements [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. 5.7 Peripheral Vascular Disease β-blockers can precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Caution should be exercised in such individuals. 5.8 Deterioration of Renal Function Rarely, use of carvedilol in patients with heart failure has resulted in deterioration of renal function. Patients at risk appear to be those with low blood pressure (systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg), ischemic heart disease and diffuse vascular disease, and/or underlying renal insufficiency. Renal function has returned to baseline when carvedilol was stopped. In patients with these risk factors it is recommended that renal function be monitored during up-titration of carvedilol and the drug discontinued or dosage reduced if worsening of renal function occurs. 5.9 Anesthesia and Major Surgery If treatment with carvedilol is to be continued perioperatively, particular care should be taken when anesthetic agents which depress myocardial function, such as ether, cyclopropane, and trichloroethylene, are used [see Overdosage (10) for information on treatment of bradycardia and hypertension]. 5.10 Thyrotoxicosis β-adrenergic blockade may mask clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia. Abrupt withdrawal of β-blockade may be followed by an exacerbation of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or may precipitate thyroid storm. 5.11 Pheochromocytoma In patients with pheochromocytoma, an α-blocking agent should be initiated prior to the use of any β-blocking agent. Although carvedilol has both α- and β-blocking pharmacologic activities, there has been no experience with its use in this condition. Therefore, caution should be taken in the administration of carvedilol to patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma. 5.12 Prinzmetal’s Variant Angina Agents with non-selective β-blocking activity may provoke chest pain in patients with Prinzmetal’s variant angina. There has been no clinical experience with carvedilol in these patients although the α-blocking activity may prevent such symptoms. However, caution should be taken in the administration of carvedilol to patients suspected of having Prinzmetal’s variant angina. 5.13 Risk of Anaphylactic Reaction While taking ß-blockers, patients with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to repeated challenge, either accidental, diagnostic, or therapeutic. Such patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat allergic reaction. 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Carvedilol has been evaluated for safety in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction and in hypertensive patients. The observed adverse event profile was consistent with the pharmacology of the drug and the health status of the patients in the clinical trials. Adverse events reported for each of these patient populations are provided below. Excluded are adverse events considered too general to be informative, and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug because they were associated with the condition being treated or are very common in the treated population. Rates of adverse events were generally similar across demographic subsets (men and women, elderly and non-elderly, blacks and non-blacks). Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction: Carvedilol has been evaluated for safety in survivors of an acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction in the CAPRICORN trial which involved 969 patients who received carvedilol and 980 who received placebo. Approximately 75% of the patients received carvedilol for at least 6 months and 53% received carvedilol for at least 12 months. Patients were treated for an average of 12.9 months and 12.8 months with carvedilol and placebo, respectively. The following adverse events were reported with a frequency of greater then 1% but less than or equal to 3% and more frequently with carvedilol: Flu syndrome, cerebrovascular accident, peripheral vascular disorder, hypotonia, depression, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis, and gout. The overall rates of discontinuations due to adverse events were similar in both groups of patients. In this database, the only cause of discontinuation greater than 1%, and occurring more often on carvedilol was hypotension (1.5% on carvedilol, 0.2% on placebo). Hypertension: Carvedilol has been evaluated for safety in hypertension in more than 2,193 patients in US clinical trials and in 2,976 patients in international clinical trials. Approximately 36% of the total treated population received carvedilol for at least 6 months. Most adverse events reported during therapy with carvedilol were of mild to moderate severity. In US controlled clinical trials directly comparing carvedilol in doses up to 50 mg (n = 1,142) to placebo (n = 462), 4.9% of patients receiving carvedilol discontinued for adverse events versus 5.2% of placebo patients. Although there was no overall difference in discontinuation rates, discontinuations were more common in the carvedilol group for postural hypotension (1% versus 0). The overall incidence of adverse events in US placebo-controlled trials increased with increasing dose of carvedilol. For individual adverse events this could only be distinguished for dizziness, which increased in frequency from 2% to 5% as total daily dose increased from 6.25 mg to 50 mg. Table 2 shows adverse events in US placebo-controlled clinical trials for hypertension that occurred with an incidence of greater than or equal to 1% regardless of causality, and that were more frequent in drug-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. Table 2. Adverse Events (%) Occurring in US Placebo-Controlled Hypertension Trials (Incidence ≥ 1%, Regardless of Causality Carvedilol(n = 1,142) Placebo(n = 462) Cardiovascular Bradycardia 2 - Postural hypotension 2 - Peripheral edema 1 - Central Nervous System Dizziness 6 5 Insomnia 2 1 Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 2 1 Hematologic Thrombocytopenia 1 - Metabolic Hypertriglyceridemia 1 - Shown are events with rate > 1% rounded to nearest integer. Dyspnea and fatigue were also reported in these studies, but the rates were equal or greater in patients who received placebo. The following adverse events not described above were reported as possibly or probably related to carvedilol in worldwide open or controlled trials with carvedilol in patients with hypertension. Incidence > 0.1% to ≤ 1% Cardiovascular: Peripheral ischemia, tachycardia. Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Hypokinesia Gastrointestinal: Bilirubinemia, increased hepatic enzymes (0.2% of hypertension patients were discontinued from therapy because of increases in hepatic enzymes) [See Adverse Reactions (6.2)] Psychiatric: Nervousness, sleep disorder, aggravated depression, impaired concentration, abnormal thinking, paroniria, emotional lability. Respiratory System: Asthma [See Contraindications (4)] Reproductive, male: Decreased libido Skin and Appendages: Pruritus, rash erythematous, rash maculopapular, rash psoriaform, photosensitivity reaction. Special Senses: Tinnitus Urinary System: Micturition frequency increased. Autonomic Nervous System: Dry mouth, sweating increased. Metabolic and Nutritional: Hypokalemia, hypertriglyceridemia Hematologic: Anemia, leukopenia. The following events were reported in ≤ 0.1% of patients and are potentially important: Complete AV block, bundle branch block, myocardial ischemia, cerebrovascular disorder, convulsions, migraine, neuralgia, paresis, anaphylactoid reaction, alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis, amnesia, GI hemorrhage, bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, decreased hearing, respiratory alkalosis, increased BUN, decreased HDL, pancytopenia, and atypical lymphocytes. 6.2 Laboratory Abnormalities Reversible elevations in serum transaminases (ALT or AST) have been observed during treatment with carvedilol. Rates of transaminase elevations (2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal) observed during controlled clinical trials have generally been similar between patients treated with carvedilol and those treated with placebo. However, transaminase elevations, confirmed by rechallenge, have been observed with carvedilol. In a long-term, placebo-controlled trial in severe heart failure, patients treated with carvedilol had lower values for hepatic transaminases than patients treated with placebo, possibly because improvements in cardiac function induced by carvedilol led to less hepatic congestion and/or improved hepatic blood flow. Carvedilol has not been associated with clinically significant changes in serum potassium, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, or creatinine. No clinically relevant changes were noted in fasting serum glucose in hypertensive patients. 6.3 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of carvedilol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Reports of aplastic anemia and severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and erythema multiforme) have been rare and received only when carvedilol was administered concomitantly with other medications associated with such reactions. Rare reports of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, and urticaria) have been received for Carvedilol tablets, USP. Urinary incontinence in women (which resolved upon discontinuation of the medication) and interstitial pneumonitis have been reported rarely. 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 CYP2D6 Inhibitors and Poor Metabolizers Interactions of carvedilol with potent inhibitors of CYP2D6 isoenzyme (such as quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and propafenone) have not been studied, but these drugs would be expected to increase blood levels of the R(+) enantiomer of carvedilol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Retrospective analysis of side effects in clinical trials showed that poor 2D6 metabolizers had a higher rate of dizziness during up-titration, presumably resulting from vasodilating effects of the higher concentrations of the α-blocking R(+) enantiomer. 7.2 Hypotensive Agents Patients taking both agents with β-blocking properties and a drug that can deplete catecholamines (e.g., reserpine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should be observed closely for signs of hypotension and/or severe bradycardia. Concomitant administration of clonidine with agents with β-blocking properties may potentiate blood- pressure and heartrate-lowering effects. When concomitant treatment with agents with β-blocking properties and clonidine is to be terminated, the β-blocking agent should be discontinued first. Clonidine therapy can then be discontinued several days later by gradually decreasing the dosage. 7.3 Cyclosporine Modest increases in mean trough cyclosporine concentrations were observed following initiation of carvedilol treatment in 21 renal transplant patients suffering from chronic vascular rejection. In about 30% of patients, the dose of cyclosporine had to be reduced in order to maintain cyclosporine concentrations within the therapeutic range, while in the remainder no adjustment was needed. On the average for the group, the dose of cyclosporine was reduced about 20% in these patients. Due to wide interindividual variability in the dose adjustment required, it is recommended that cyclosporine concentrations be monitored closely after initiation of carvedilol therapy and that the dose of cyclosporine be adjusted as appropriate. 7.4 Digitalis Glycosides Both digitalis glycosides and β-blockers slow atrioventricular conduction and decrease heart rate. Concomitant use can increase the risk of bradycardia. Digoxin concentrations are increased by about 15% when digoxin and carvedilol are administered concomitantly. Therefore, increased monitoring of digoxin is recommended when initiating, adjusting, or discontinuing carvedilol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)]. 7.5 Inducers/Inhibitors of Hepatic Metabolism Rifampin reduced plasma concentrations of carvedilol by about 70% [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)]. Cimetidine increased AUC by about 30% but caused no change in Cmax[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)]. 7.6 Amiodarone Amiodarone, and its metabolite desethyl amiodarone, inhibitors of CYP2C9 and P glycoprotein, increased concentrations of the S(-) enantiomer of carvedilol by at least 2-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)]. The concomitant administration of amiodarone or other CYP2C9 inhibitors such as fluconazole with carvedilol may enhance the β-blocking properties of carvedilol resulting in further slowing of the heart rate or cardiac conduction. Patients should be observed for signs of bradycardia or heart block, particularly when one agent is added to pre-existing treatment with the other. 7.7 Calcium Channel Blockers Conduction disturbance (rarely with hemodynamic compromise) has been observed when carvedilol is co-administered with diltiazem. As with other agents with β-blocking properties, if carvedilol is to be administered with calcium channel blockers of the verapamil or diltiazem type, it is recommended that ECG and blood pressure be monitored. 7.8 Insulin or Oral Hypoglycemics Agents with β-blocking properties may enhance the blood-sugar-reducing effect of insulin and oral hypoglycemics. Therefore, in patients taking insulin or oral hypoglycemics, regular monitoring of blood glucose is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C. Studies performed in pregnant rats and rabbits given carvedilol revealed increased post-implantation loss in rats at doses of 300 mg/kg/day (50 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] as mg/m2) and in rabbits at doses of 75 mg/kg/day (25 times the MRHD as mg/m2). In the rats, there was also a decrease in fetal body weight at the maternally toxic dose of 300 mg/kg/day (50 times the MRHD as mg/m2), which was accompanied by an elevation in the frequency of fetuses with delayed skeletal development (missing or stunted 13th rib). In rats the no-observed-effect level for developmental toxicity was 60 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD as mg/m2); in rabbits it was 15 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD as mg/m2). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Carvedilol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. 8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Studies in rats have shown that carvedilol and/or its metabolites (as well as other β-blockers) cross the placental barrier and are excreted in breast milk. There was increased mortality at one week post-partum in neonates from rats treated with 60 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD as mg/m2) and above during the last trimester through day 22 of lactation. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from β-blockers, especially bradycardia, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. The effects of other α- and β-blocking agents have included perinatal and neonatal distress. 8.4 Pediatric Use Effectiveness of carvedilol in patients younger than 18 years of age has not been established. In a double-blind trial, 161 children (mean age 6 years, range 2 months to 17 years; 45% less than 2 years old) with chronic heart failure [NYHA class II-IV, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% for children with a systemic left ventricle (LV), and moderate-severe ventricular dysfunction qualitatively by echo for those with a systemic ventricle that was not an LV] who were receiving standard background treatment were randomized to placebo or to 2 dose levels of carvedilol. These dose levels produced placebo-corrected heart rate reduction of 4 to 6 heart beats per minute, indicative of β-blockade activity. Exposure appeared to be lower in pediatric subjects than adults. After 8 months of follow-up, there was no significant effect of treatment on clinical outcomes. Adverse reactions in this trial that occurred in greater than 10% of patients treated with carvedilol and at twice the rate of placebo-treated patients included chest pain (17% versus 6%), dizziness (13% versus 2%), and dyspnea (11% versus 0%). 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 975 myocardial infarction patients randomized to carvedilol in the CAPRICORN trial, 48% (468) were 65 years of age or older, and 11% (111) were 75 years of age or older. Of the 2,065 hypertensive patients in US clinical trials of efficacy or safety who were treated with carvedilol, 21% (436) were 65 years of age or older. Of 3,722 patients receiving carvedilol in hypertension clinical trials conducted worldwide, 24% were 65 years of age or older. With the exception of dizziness in hypertensive patients (incidence 8.8% in the elderly versus 6% in younger patients), no overall differences in the safety or effectiveness (see Figures 2 and 4) were observed between the older subjects and younger subjects in each of these populations. Similarly, other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. 10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage may cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, cardiac insufficiency, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest. Respiratory problems, bronchospasms, vomiting, lapses of consciousness, and generalized seizures may also occur. The patient should be placed in a supine position and, where necessary, kept under observation and treated under intensive-care conditions. Gastric lavage or pharmacologically induced emesis may be used shortly after ingestion. The following agents may be administered: for excessive bradycardia: Atropine, 2 mg IV. to support cardiovascular function: Glucagon, 5 to 10 mg IV rapidly over 30 seconds, followed by a continuous infusion of 5 mg/hour; sympathomimetics (dobutamine, isoprenaline, adrenaline) at doses according to body weight and effect. If peripheral vasodilation dominates, it may be necessary to administer adrenaline or noradrenaline with continuous monitoring of circulatory conditions. For therapy-resistant bradycardia, pacemaker therapy should be performed. For bronchospasm, β-sympathomimetics (as aerosol or IV) or aminophylline IV should be given. In the event of seizures, slow IV injection of diazepam or clonazepam is recommended. NOTE: In the event of severe intoxication where there are symptoms of shock, treatment with antidotes must be continued for a sufficiently long period of time consistent with the 7 to 10 hour half-life of carvedilol. Cases of overdosage with carvedilol alone or in combination with other drugs have been reported. Quantities ingested in some cases exceeded 1,000 milligrams. Symptoms experienced included low blood pressure and heart rate. Standard supportive treatment was provided and individuals recovered. 11 DESCRIPTION Carvedilol USP is a nonselective β-adrenergic blocking agent with α1-blocking activity. It is (±)-1-(Carbazol-4-yloxy)-3-[[2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]-2-propanol. Carvedilol is a racemic mixture with the following structure: Carvedilol tablets, USP are film-coated tablets containing 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg or 25 mg of carvedilol. The 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg and 25 mg tablets are white film coated circular shaped tablets. The 12.5 mg tablets are white film coated capsule shaped tablets. Inactive ingredients: consist of colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone and titanium dioxide. Carvedilol USP is a white to off-white powder with a molecular weight of 406.5 and a molecular formula of C24H26N2O4. It is freely soluble in dimethylsulfoxide; soluble in methylene chloride and methanol; sparingly soluble in 95% ethanol and isopropanol; slightly soluble in ethyl ether; and practically insoluble in water, gastric fluid (simulated, TS, pH 1.1), and intestinal fluid (simulated, TS without pancreatin, pH 7.5). This product meets USP Dissolution test 2. 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Carvedilol is a racemic mixture in which nonselective β-adrenoreceptor blocking activity is present in the S(-) enantiomer and α1-adrenergic blocking activity is present in both R(+) and S(-) enantiomers at equal potency. Carvedilol has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction: The basis for the beneficial effects of carvedilol in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following an acute myocardial infarction is not established. Hypertension: The mechanism by which β-blockade produces an antihypertensive effect has not been established. β-adrenoreceptor blocking activity has been demonstrated in animal and human studies showing that carvedilol (1) reduces cardiac output in normal subjects; (2) reduces exercise and/or isoproterenol-induced tachycardia; and (3) reduces reflex orthostatic tachycardia. Significant β-adrenoreceptor blocking effect is usually seen within 1 hour of drug administration. α1-adrenoreceptor blocking activity has been demonstrated in human and animal studies, showing that carvedilol (1) attenuates the pressor effects of phenylephrine; (2) causes vasodilation; and (3) reduces peripheral vascular resistance. These effects contribute to the reduction of blood pressure and usually are seen within 30 minutes of drug administration. Due to the α1-receptor blocking activity of carvedilol, blood pressure is lowered more in the standing than in the supine position, and symptoms of postural hypotension (1.8%), including rare instances of syncope, can occur. Following oral administration, when postural hypotension has occurred, it has been transient and is uncommon when carvedilol is administered with food at the recommended starting dose and titration increments are closely followed [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. In hypertensive patients with normal renal function, therapeutic doses of carvedilol decreased renal vascular resistance with no change in glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow. Changes in excretion of sodium, potassium, uric acid, and phosphorus in hypertensive patients with normal renal function were similar after carvedilol and placebo. Carvedilol has little effect on plasma catecholamines, plasma aldosterone, or electrolyte levels, but it does significantly reduce plasma renin activity when given for at least 4 weeks. It also increases levels of atrial natriuretic peptide. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics 12.4 Specific Populations 12.5 Drug-Drug Interactions Carvedilol is rapidly and extensively absorbed following oral administration, with absolute bioavailability of approximately 25% to 35% due to a significant degree of first-pass metabolism. Following oral administration, the apparent mean terminal elimination half-life of carvedilol generally ranges from 7 to 10 hours. Plasma concentrations achieved are proportional to the oral dose administered. When administered with food, the rate of absorption is slowed, as evidenced by a delay in the time to reach peak plasma levels, with no significant difference in extent of bioavailability. Taking carvedilol with food should minimize the risk of orthostatic hypotension. Carvedilol is extensively metabolized. Following oral administration of radiolabelled carvedilol to healthy volunteers, carvedilol accounted for only about 7% of the total radioactivity in plasma as measured by area under the curve (AUC). Less than 2% of the dose was excreted unchanged in the urine. Carvedilol is metabolized primarily by aromatic ring oxidation and glucuronidation. The oxidative metabolites are further metabolized by conjugation via glucuronidation and sulfation. The metabolites of carvedilol are excreted primarily via the bile into the feces. Demethylation and hydroxylation at the phenol ring produce 3 active metabolites with β-receptor blocking activity. Based on preclinical studies, the 4'-hydroxyphenyl metabolite is approximately 13 times more potent than carvedilol for β-blockade. Compared to carvedilol, the 3 active metabolites exhibit weak vasodilating activity. Plasma concentrations of the active metabolites are about one-tenth of those observed for carvedilol and have pharmacokinetics similar to the parent. Carvedilol undergoes stereoselective first-pass metabolism with plasma levels of R(+)-carvedilol approximately 2 to 3 times higher than S(-)-carvedilol following oral administration in healthy subjects. The mean apparent terminal elimination half-lives for R(+)-carvedilol range from 5 to 9 hours compared with 7 to 11 hours for the S(-)-enantiomer. The primary P450 enzymes responsible for the metabolism of both R(+) and S(-)-carvedilol in human liver microsomes were CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent CYP3A4, 2C19, 1A2, and 2E1. CYP2D6 is thought to be the major enzyme in the 4’- and 5’-hydroxylation of carvedilol, with a potential contribution from 3A4. CYP2C9 is thought to be of primary importance in the O-methylation pathway of S(-)-carvedilol. Carvedilol is subject to the effects of genetic polymorphism with poor metabolizers of debrisoquin (a marker for cytochrome P450 2D6) exhibiting 2- to 3-fold higher plasma concentrations of R(+)-carvedilol compared to extensive metabolizers. In contrast, plasma levels of S(-)-carvedilol are increased only about 20% to 25% in poor metabolizers, indicating this enantiomer is metabolized to a lesser extent by cytochrome P450 2D6 than R(+)-carvedilol. The pharmacokinetics of carvedilol do not appear to be different in poor metabolizers of S-mephenytoin (patients deficient in cytochrome P450 2C19). Carvedilol is more than 98% bound to plasma proteins, primarily with albumin. The plasma-protein binding is independent of concentration over the therapeutic range. Carvedilol is a basic, lipophilic compound with a steady-state volume of distribution of approximately 115 L, indicating substantial distribution into extravascular tissues. Plasma clearance ranges from 500 to 700 mL/min. 12.4 Specific Populations Geriatric: Plasma levels of carvedilol average about 50% higher in the elderly compared to young subjects. Hepatic Impairment: Compared to healthy subjects, patients with severe liver impairment (cirrhosis) exhibit a 4 to 7 fold increase in carvedilol levels. Carvedilol is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment. Renal Impairment: Although carvedilol is metabolized primarily by the liver, plasma concentrations of carvedilol have been reported to be increased in patients with renal impairment. Based on mean AUC data, approximately 40% to 50% higher plasma concentrations of carvedilol were observed in hypertensive patients with moderate to severe renal impairment compared to a control group of hypertensive patients with normal renal function. However, the ranges of AUC values were similar for both groups. Changes in mean peak plasma levels were less pronounced, approximately 12% to 26% higher in patients with impaired renal function. Consistent with its high degree of plasma protein-binding, carvedilol does not appear to be cleared significantly by hemodialysis. 12.5 Drug-Drug Interactions Since carvedilol undergoes substantial oxidative metabolism, the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of carvedilol may be affected by induction or inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Amiodarone: In a pharmacokinetic study conducted in 106 Japanese patients with heart failure, coadministration of small loading and maintenance doses of amiodarone with carvedilol resulted in at least a 2-fold increase in the steady-state trough concentrations of S(-) carvedilol [see Drug Interactions (7.6)].   Cimetidine: In a pharmacokinetic study conducted in 10 healthy male subjects, cimetidine (1,000 mg/day) increased the steady-state AUC of carvedilol by 30% with no change in Cmax  [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].   Digoxin: Following concomitant administration of carvedilol (25 mg once daily) and digoxin (0.25 mg once daily) for 14 days, steady-state AUC and trough concentrations of digoxin were increased by 14% and 16%, respectively, in 12 hypertensive patients [see Drug Interactions (7.4)]. Glyburide: In 12 healthy subjects, combined administration of carvedilol (25 mg once daily) and a single dose of glyburide did not result in a clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interaction for either compound.   Hydrochlorothiazide: A single oral dose of carvedilol 25 mg did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg in 12 patients with hypertension. Likewise, hydrochlorothiazide had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of carvedilol. Rifampin: In a pharmacokinetic study conducted in 8 healthy male subjects, rifampin (600 mg daily for 12 days) decreased the AUC and Cmax of carvedilol by about 70% [see DrugInteractions (7.5)]. Torsemide: In a study of 12 healthy subjects, combined oral administration of carvedilol 25 mg once daily and torsemide 5 mg once daily for 5 days did not result in any significant differences in their pharmacokinetics compared with administration of the drugs alone. Warfarin: Carvedilol (12.5 mg twice daily) did not have an effect on the steady-state prothrombin time ratios and did not alter the pharmacokinetics of R(+)- and S(-)-warfarin following concomitant administration with warfarin in 9 healthy volunteers. 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In 2-year studies conducted in rats given carvedilol at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day (12 times the MRHD when compared on a mg/m2 basis) or in mice given up to 200 mg/kg/day (16 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), carvedilol had no carcinogenic effect. Carvedilol was negative when tested in a battery of genotoxicity assays, including the Ames and the CHO/HGPRT assays for mutagenicity and the in vitro hamster micronucleus and in vivo human lymphocyte cell tests for clastogenicity. At doses ≥ 200 mg/kg/day (≥ 32 times the MRHD as mg/m2) carvedilol was toxic to adult rats (sedation, reduced weight gain) and was associated with a reduced number of successful matings, prolonged mating time, significantly fewer corpora lutea and implants per dam, and complete resorption of 18% of the litters. The no-observed-effect dose level for overt toxicity and impairment of fertility was 60 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD as mg/m2). 14 CLINICAL STUDIES 14.2 Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction 14.3 Hypertension 14.4 Hypertension With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus CAPRICORN was a double-blind study comparing carvedilol and placebo in 1,959 patients with a recent myocardial infarction (within 21 days) and left ventricular ejection fraction of less than or equal to 40%, with (47%) or without symptoms of heart failure. Patients given carvedilol received 6.25 mg twice daily, titrated as tolerated to 25 mg twice daily. Patients had to have a systolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg, a sitting heart rate greater than 60 beats/minute, and no contraindication to β-blocker use. Treatment of the index infarction included aspirin (85%), IV or oral β-blockers (37%), nitrates (73%), heparin (64%), thrombolytics (40%), and acute angioplasty (12%). Background treatment included ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (97%), anticoagulants (20%), lipid-lowering agents (23%), and diuretics (34%). Baseline population characteristics included an average age of 63 years, 74% male, 95% 768 Caucasian, mean blood pressure 121/74 mm Hg, 22% with diabetes, and 54% with a history of hypertension. Mean dosage achieved of carvedilol was 20 mg twice daily; mean duration of follow-up was 15 months. All-cause mortality was 15% in the placebo group and 12% in the carvedilol group, indicating a 23% risk reduction in patients treated with carvedilol (95% CI 2 to 40%, p = 0.03), as shown in Figure 3. The effects on mortality in various subgroups are shown in Figure 4. Nearly all deaths were cardiovascular (which were reduced by 25% by carvedilol), and most of these deaths were sudden or related to pump failure (both types of death were reduced by carvedilol). Another study end point, total mortality and all-cause hospitalization, did not show a significant improvement. There was also a significant 40% reduction in fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction observed in the group treated with carvedilol (95% CI 11% to 60%, p = 0.01). A similar reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction was also observed in a meta-analysis of placebo controlled trials of carvedilol in heart failure. 14.3 Hypertension Carvedilol was studied in 2 placebo-controlled trials that utilized twice-daily dosing, at total daily doses of 12.5 to 50 mg. In these and other studies, the starting dose did not exceed 12.5 mg. At 50 mg/day, carvedilol reduced sitting trough (12-hour) blood pressure by about 9/5.5 mm Hg; at 25 mg/day the effect was about 7.5/3.5 mm Hg. Comparisons of trough to peak blood pressure showed a trough to peak ratio for blood pressure response of about 65%. Heart rate fell by about7.5 beats/minute at 50 mg/day. In general, as is true for other β-blockers, responses were smaller in black than non-black patients. There were no age- or gender-related differences in response. The peak antihypertensive effect occurred 1 to 2 hours after a dose. The dose-related blood pressure response was accompanied by a dose-related increase in adverse effects [seeAdverse Reactions (6)]. 14.4 Hypertension With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In a double-blind study (GEMINI), carvedilol, added to an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, was evaluated in a population with mild-to-moderate hypertension and well controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean HbA1c at baseline was 7.2%. Carvedilol was titrated to a mean dose of 17.5 mg twice daily and maintained for 5 months. Carvedilol had no adverse effect on glycemic control, based on HbA1c measurements (mean change from baseline of 807 0.02%, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.10, p = NS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. 16. HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING The tablets are available in the following strengths: 3.125 mg – White, film coated circular shaped tablets with ‘G’ engraved on one side and plain on the other side, 6.25 mg – White, film coated circular shaped tablets with ‘G’ engraved on one side and ‘41’ on the other side, 12.5 mg – White, film coated capsule shaped tablets with ‘G’ engraved on one side and ‘164’ engraved on the other side, 25 mg – White, film coated circular shaped tablets with ‘G41’ engraved on one side and ‘25’ on the other side. - 3.125 mg 60’s: NDC 68462-162-60 100’s: NDC 68462-162-01 180's: NDC 68462-162-18 500’s: NDC 68462-162-05 1000’s: NDC 68462-162-10 - 6.25 mg 60’s: NDC 68462-163-60 100’s: NDC 68462-163-01 180's: NDC 68462-163-18 500’s: NDC 68462-163-05 1000’s: NDC 68462-163-10 - 12.5 mg 60’s: NDC 68462-164-60 100’s: NDC 68462-164-01 180's: NDC 68462-164-18 500’s: NDC 68462-164-05 1000’s: NDC 68462-164-10 - 25 mg 60’s: NDC 68462-165-60 100’s: NDC 68462-165-01 180's: NDC 68462-165-18 500’s: NDC 68462-165-05 1000’s: NDC 68462-165-10 Store below 30°C (86°F). Protect from moisture. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container. 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION 17.1 Patient Advice 17.2 FDA-Approved Patient Labeling 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (17.2). 17.1 Patient Advice Patients taking carvedilol should be advised of the following: - Patients should take carvedilol with food. - Patients should not interrupt or discontinue using carvedilol without a physician’s advice. - Patients with heart failure should consult their physician if they experience signs or symptoms of worsening heart failure such as weight gain or increasing shortness of breath. - Patients may experience a drop in blood pressure when standing, resulting in dizziness and, rarely, fainting. Patients should sit or lie down when these symptoms of lowered blood pressure occur. - If experiencing dizziness or fatigue, patients should avoid driving or hazardous tasks. - Patients should consult a physician if they experience dizziness or faintness, in case the dosage should be adjusted. - Diabetic patients should report any changes in blood sugar levels to their physician. - Contact lens wearers may experience decreased lacrimation.      G Glenmark Glenmark Generics Inc., USA Mahwah, NJ 07430 17.2 FDA-Approved Patient Labeling PATIENT INFORMATION Rx only Carvedilol Tablets, USP Read the Patient Information that comes with carvedilol before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about carvedilol, ask your doctor or pharmacist. What is Carvedilol? Carvedilol is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called “beta-blockers”. Carvedilol is used, often with other medicines, for the following conditions: - To treat patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) - To treat patients who had a heart attack that worsened how well the heart pumps - Carvedilol is not approved for use in children under 18 years of age. Who should not take Carvedilol? Do not take carvedilol if you: - Have severe heart failure and are hospitalized in the intensive care unit or require certain intravenous medications that help support circulation (inotropic medications) - Are prone to asthma or other breathing problems - Have a slow heartbeat or a heart that skips a beat (irregular heartbeat) - Have liver problems - Are allergic to any of the ingredients in carvedilol. The active ingredient is carvedilol. See the end of this leaflet for a list of all the ingredients in carvedilol. What should I tell my doctor before taking Carvedilol? Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: - Have asthma or other lung problems (such as bronchitis or emphysema) - Have problems with blood flow in your feet and legs (peripheral vascular disease) carvedilol can make some of your symptoms worse. - Have diabetes - Have thyroid problems - Have a condition called pheochromocytoma - Have had severe allergic reactions - Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is not known if carvedilol is safe for your unborn baby. You and your doctor should talk about the best way to control your high blood pressure during pregnancy. - Are breastfeeding. It is not known if carvedilol passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed while using carvedilol. - Are scheduled for surgery and will be given anesthetic agents - Are taking prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Carvedilol and certain other medicines can affect each other and cause serious side effects. Carvedilol may affect the way other medicines work. Also, other medicines may affect how well carvedilol works. Keep a list of all the medicines you take. Show this list to your doctor and pharmacist before you start a new medicine. How should I take Carvedilol? It is important for you to take your medicine every day as directed by your doctor. If you stop taking carvedilol suddenly, you could have chest pain and/or a heart attack. If your doctor decides that you should stop taking carvedilol, your doctor may slowly lower your dose over a period of time before stopping it completely. - Take carvedilol exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take and how often. In order to minimize possible side effects, your doctor might begin with a low dose and then slowly increase the dose. - Do not stop taking carvedilol and do not change the amount of carvedilol you take without talking to your doctor. - Tell your doctor if you gain weight or have trouble breathing while taking carvedilol. - Take carvedilol with food. - If you miss a dose of carvedilol, take your dose as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take your next dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. - If you take too much carvedilol, call your doctor or poison control center right away. What should I avoid while taking Carvedilol? Carvedilol can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, or faint. Do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything that needs you to be alert if you have these symptoms. What are possible side effects of Carvedilol? - Low blood pressure (which may cause dizziness or fainting when you stand up). If these happen, sit or lie down right away and tell your doctor. - Tiredness. If you feel tired or dizzy you should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs you to be alert. - Slow heartbeat. - Changes in your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor if you have any changes in your blood sugar levels. - Carvedilol may hide some of the symptoms of low blood sugar, especially a fast heartbeat. - Carvedilol may mask the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Worsening of severe allergic reactions. - Rare but serious allergic reactions (including hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing) have happened in patients who were on Carvedilol. These reactions can be life-threatening. Other side effects of carvedilol include shortness of breath, weight gain, diarrhea, and fewer tears or dry eyes that become bothersome if you wear contact lenses. Rare serious allergic reactions have happened in patients who were on carvedilol. Call your doctor if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. How should I store Carvedilol? - Store carvedilol at less than 86°F (30°C). Keep the tablets dry. - Safely, throw away carvedilol that is out of date or no longer needed. - Keep carvedilol and all medicines out of the reach of children. General Information about Carvedilol Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions other than those described in patient information leaflets. Do not use carvedilol for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give carvedilol to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about carvedilol. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about carvedilol that is written for healthcare professionals. You can also find out more about carvedilol by visiting the website www.glenmarkgenerics.com or calling 1 (888)721-7115. This call is free. What are the ingredients in Carvedilol? Active Ingredient: Carvedilol USP. Inactive Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone and titanium dioxide. Carvedilol tablets, USP come in the following strengths: 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg. Manufactured by: Glenmark Generics Ltd. Colvale-Bardez, Goa 403 513, India Manufactured for:      G Glenmark Glenmark Generics Inc., USA Mahwah, NJ 07430 Questions? 1 (888)721-7115 www.glenmarkgenerics.com August 2010 G Glenmark NDC 68462-164-01 CARVEDILOL TABLETS USP 12.5 mg Pharmacist: Please dispense with patient information leaflet provided separately. Rx only                                100 Tablets Each tablet contains carvedilol USP, 12.5 mg. Product meets USP Dissolution Test 2 DOSAGE : See accompanying prescribing information. Store below 30°C (86°F).