Carvedilol is a non-selective beta blocker indicated in the treatment of mild to moderate congestive heart failure (CHF). It is marketed under various trade names including Coreg (GSK), Dilatrend (Roche) and Eucardic (Roche).

Pharmacology

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In addition to blocking both β₁- and β₂-adrenergic receptors, carvedilol also displays α₁-adrenergic antagonism as well, which confers the added benefit of reducing blood pressure through vasodilation.

Relative to other beta blockers, carvedilol has minimal inverse agonist activity (Vanderhoff et al., 1998). This suggests that carvedilol has a reduced negative chronotropic and inotropic effect compared to other beta blockers, which may decrease its potential to worsen symptoms of heart failure.

Clinical use

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Carvedilol is indicated in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF), as an adjunct to conventional treatments (ACE inhibitors and diuretics). The use of carvedilol has been shown to provide additional morbidity and mortality benefits in CHF (Packer et al., 2002).

U.S. supply issues

On January 10, 2006 carvedilol supply became limited in the United States, due to manufacturing issues, with an unknown date for re-establishment of normal supply.

References

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• Packer M, Fowler MB, Roecker EB, et al. Effect of carvedilol on the morbidity of patients with severe chronic heart failure: results of the carvedilol prospective randomized cumulative survival (COPERNICUS) study. Circulation. 2002;106(17):2194-9. PMID 12390947
• Vanderhoff BT, Ruppel HM, Amsterdam PB. Carvedilol: The new role of beta blockers in congestive heart failure. Am Fam Physician 1998;58(7):1627-34. PMID 9824960

External links

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• Physicians Desk Reference Info on Carvedilol
• Info on carvedilol through rxlist.com

Beta blockers]

Carvedilol