Carvedilol

• Take with food to reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
• Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
• Use with caution in diabetics, the drug may alter sugar levels.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
• Co enzyme Q-10 deficiency is possible. However, speak to a physician or pharmacist before supplementing CoQ10 due to the blood pressure lowering properties of this supplement. Reduced antihypertensive medication dosage may be needed.
• Langsjoen P, Langsjoen P, Willis R, Folkers K. Treatment of essential hypertension with coenzyme Q10. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:S265-72.
• Kishi H, Kishi T, Folkers K: Bioenergetics in clinical medicine III - inhibition of coenzyme Q10-enzymes by clinically used antihypertensive drugs, Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, 1975, 12(3):533-40
• Grapefruit juice may interact with this drug, avoid using together.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interaction, 11th edition, 1999.
• A low sodium and low calorie diet may be beneficial.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
• Avoid alcohol.
• Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
• Several studies done with olive oil, have shown it can reduce blood pressure. The dosage of antihypertensive medications may need to be reduced when olive oil is consumed on a regular basis.
• Ruiz-Gutierrez V, Muriana FJ, Guerrero A, Cert AM, Villar J. Plasma lipids, erythrocyte membrane lipids and blood pressure of hypertensive women after ingestion of dietary oleic acid from two different sources. J Hypertens 1996 Dec;14(12):1483-90
• Baroni SS, Amelio M, Sangiorgi Z, Gaddi A, Battino M. Solid monounsaturated diet lowers LDL unsaturation trait and oxidisability in hypercholesterolemic (type IIb) patients. Free Radic Res. 1999 Apr;30(4):275-85.
• Ferrara LA, Raimondi AS, d'Episcopo L, et al. Olive oil and reduced need for antihypertensive medications. Arch Intern Med 2000;160(6):837-842.
• Broom, Calamus, Cereus, Cola, Coltsfoot, Devil's Claw, Fenugreek, Figwort, and Fumitory have cardioactive effects according to Newall. It may be advisable to avoid using these herbs with this medication.
• Facts and Comparisons, The Review of Natural Products, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
• PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Medical Economics Company, 2000
• Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996
• Poplar, sweet birch, and wintergreen and willow bark all have salicylate properties which may interfere with beta blockers.
• Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
• Avoid natural licorice products.
• Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
• Farese, RV et al., Licorice-induced hypermineralcorticoidism. NEJM. 1991, 325:1,1223-1,227
• Ephedra should not be taken together with other CNS stimulants or circulatory agents (digitoxin, beta-blockers, etc.). Theoretically, a single high dose could result in irregular heartbeats.
• Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
• Cola, Guarana, Mate are some caffeine containing herbs that should be avoided with beta blockers.
• Brinker, Francis, N.D. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
• Beta Blockers can help to prevent Yohimbe toxicity.
• Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.