Coreg may hide certain signs of hyperthyroidism. Do not stop taking Coreg suddenly, as this can cause serious symptoms. Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping the drug so that it can be done in a safe manner.
Coreg may cause extreme low blood pressure and/or a slow heart rate in some people. Symptoms can include dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. These symptoms may be more noticeable when going from a sitting or lying down position to standing. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Extreme low blood pressure is more likely to occur in people who are taking a diuretic, are on dialysis, or have diarrhea or vomiting.
Make sure not to drive, operate any heavy machinery, or perform any other tasks that require alertness before you know how Coreg affects you.
Using beta blockers, such as Coreg, for a long period of time can, in some cases, lead to heart failure. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
Coreg may make congestive heart failure worse. This occurs more often when the dose is increased. Therefore, if your healthcare provider prescribes Coreg because he or she believes that the benefits outweigh the potential risks, he or she may choose to monitor you more closely, especially during dosage changes. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of congestive heart failure.
People taking Coreg should not stop abruptly. In clinical studies, this has been shown to increase a person's chances for developing angina (chest pain), heart attack, or serious irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). This risk is even greater in people with existing heart disease.
Beta blockers, including Coreg, should be used with caution (if at all) in people with certain lung diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Beta blockers affect the lungs and can cause a narrowing of the airways. If you develop problems breathing or wheezing, call your healthcare provider.
Coreg may cause low blood sugar in some people. In people with diabetes who also have congestive heart failure, it may also increase blood sugar (see Coreg and Blood Sugar for more information).
Coreg has been known to cause a decrease in kidney function, especially in certain groups, such as those with severe congestive heart failure. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience:
For people with allergies, Coreg may increase the reaction to specific allergens, and your body may not respond to the usual doses of epinephrine.
Coreg may worsen symptoms in people with certain conditions that affect the circulation (known medically as peripheral vascular diseases).
If you are going to have surgery, let your healthcare provider or dentist know that you are taking Coreg.
Coreg is a pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning that there may be an increased risk to the fetus. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking the drug (see Coreg and Pregnancy).
If you are breastfeeding, Coreg passes through your milk. Therefore, if you are taking Coreg, it is generally recommended that you stop nursing. Talk to your healthcare provider about your particular situation.