Carvedilol

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

May be Beneficial: Side effect reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.	Food
May be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better.	Low-salt diet
Depletion or interference	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

Interaction with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Taking carvedilol with food slows the speed, but not the overall extent of absorption of the drug. Though taking carvedilol with food does not reduce the effectiveness of the drug, it might reduce the incidence of a common side effect known as orthostatic hypotension.¹ Therefore, people should take carvedilol with a meal.

Salt restriction
In one controlled clinical trial, lowering dietary salt intake increased the fall in blood pressure obtained with carvedilol.² Therefore, people taking carvedilol to treat high blood pressure should consider eating a diet low in salt to improve the outcome of drug therapy.

References

1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2989–92.

2. Ruilope LM, Lahera V. Influence of salt intake on the antihypertensive effect of carvedilol. J Hypertens Suppl 1993;11:S17–9.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.