Carvedilol
Generic Details
Generic Name
Carvedilol
Other Names
- Coreg
- Dilatrend
Drug Class
- Beta-blocker
- Alpha-1 blocker
Chemical Formula
C24H26N2O4
Molecular Weight
406.47 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks beta-1, beta-2, and alpha-1-adrenergic receptors
Indications
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- Hypertension: 6.25-25 mg BID
- Heart Failure: 3.125 mg-25 mg BID
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower starting dose recommended due to decreased clearance
Side Effects
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
Contraindications
- Uncompensated heart failure
- Asthma or COPD
Pregnancy Category
- C
Lactation Safety
- Lactation not recommended
Drug Interactions
- Digoxin
- Verapamil
- Rifampicin
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Cardiac failure
Antidote for Overdose
- Atropine
- Glucagon
- Dobutamine
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Highly protein-bound
- Metabolism: Extensive hepatic metabolism via CYP2D6 and CYP2C9
- Excretion: Primarily renal excretion
Precautions
- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation
Warnings
- Risk of heart failure exacerbation during initiation or dose titration
Others
- Carvedilol has antioxidant properties which may provide additional benefits in heart failure management.