I Had Difficulty Breathing When I First Started Carvedilol. It

Posted on Sat, 15 Feb 2020

Question: I had difficulty breathing when I first started carvedilol. it went away for a few months....but now I have shortness of breath again. could it be side effects from the carvedilol again?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be a side effect of carvedilol

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Carvedilol is a non selective beta blocker group drug. It can stimulate the beta2 receptors of your lung and can cause breathlessness and shortness of breath.
In your case other causes like congestive cardiac failure also be ruled out. Consult a physician to look for other possible causes for the symptoms.
If all other causes has been ruled out, you can switch to other beta blockers which are cardioselective and without respiratory side effects.
Wishing all the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

thank you! from labs, chest CT and echocardiograms, my cardiologist has assured me I do not have congestive heart failure. I can do 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity cardio with no problem.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Then it can be a bronchospasm precipitated by carvedilol.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Then it will be bronchospasm precipitated by carvedilol.
Avoid strenuous physical activities.
If you can not tolerate, better to switch to cardioselective beta blockers instead of carvedilol after discussing with your physician.
Wishing all the best.
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana