Carvedilol

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

In addition to blocking both β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors, carvedilol also displays α1-adrenergic antagonism, 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

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 changes in documentation procedures at a plant. This was lifted in April 27, 2006 in a Dear Pharmacist letter.

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