Important information about Carvedilol

• Carvedilol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers
• It is used to treat heart failure (condition in which the heart can not pump enough blood to all parts of the body) and high blood pressure used.
• It is also used to treat people who have had a heart attack. Carvedilol is often used in combination with other medications.

Mechanism of action

Carvedilol is a racemic mixture, in the nonselective activity of beta-adrenoceptor blocking of the S (-) – enantiomer is present and the alpha-adrenergic blocking activity in both R (+) -, as well as S (-) – enantiomer with the same activity is present. Blocking the capacity of beta-carvedilol adrenergic receptors reduces heart rate, myocardial contractility and myocardial oxygen demand. It also reduces systemic vascular resistance through its blocking properties of the alpha adrenergic receptor. It has been shown that carvedilol and its BM-910228 metabolite restore (less strong beta blockers, but a stronger antioxidant) inotropic reactivity to Ca2 + in the radical myocardium treated with free OH. Carvedilol and its metabolites also prevent the reduction induced by OH radicals in the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2 + ATPase activity. Therefore, carvedilol and its metabolites may be beneficial in chronic heart failure by preventing free radical damage.

side effects

The most common side effects  include:

• Dizziness
• Unusual tiredness
• Low blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• High blood sugar
• Lack of energy or weakness
• Slower heart rate
• increase in weight
• Changes in sexual desire or performance
• Dry eyes
• Dry and itchy skin
• Headaches
• Nausea

Serious side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions
• Changes in your heart rate
• The problems of the heart.
• Liver problems
• Problems in the eyes
• Urinary problems

Dosage for carvedilol

• Carvedilol tablets are usually given twice a day. If the blood pressure is high, the dose is 6.25 mg twice a day up to a maximum of 25 mg twice a day.
• In congestive heart failure, the dose is 3.25 mg twice a day up to a maximum of 25 mg twice a day. A maximum dose of 50 mg twice daily was used in subjects weighing more than 85 kg.
• It should be taken with food in order to slow down absorption and to reduce the occurrence of low blood pressure when standing up from a sitting position or (orthostatic hypotension) to sleep. Stopping and changing the dose of carvedilol should be done under the supervision of a doctor so sudden changes in dosage can cause arrhythmias, such as serious cardiac complications.
• The dose range for the treatment of heart failure or hypertension in prolonged-release capsules is 10 to 80 mg once a day.