This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Common side effects of carvedilol
These common side effects of carvedilol may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and last a few days after starting the medicine or increasing your dose. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
As your body gets used to carvedilol, these side effects should wear off.
If carvedilol makes you feel dizzy, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Avoid alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
Cold fingers or toes
Put your hands or feet under warm running water, massage them, and wiggle your fingers and toes. Do not smoke or have drinks with caffeine, as this can make your blood vessels narrower and further restrict blood flow to your hands and feet.
Try wearing mittens (they're warmer than gloves) and warm socks. Do not wear tight watches or bracelets.
Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your carvedilol after a meal or snack.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Take small, frequent sips if you're being sick. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Diarrhoea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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