Carvedilol. Uses, Side Effects, and More

 Carvedilol

Brand name:- Carvil, carloc, carvas , Oricar  tab.

Carvedilol is an alpha and beta blocker. It works by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels which makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood around the body.

Pharmacodynamic:- 

Carvedilol reduces tachycardia through beta adrenergic antagonism and lowers blood pressure through alpha-1 adrenergic antagonism. It has a long duration of action as it is generally taken once daily and has a broad therapeutic index as patients generally take 10-80mg daily. Patients taking carvedilol should not abruptly stop taking this medication as this may exacerbate coronary artery disease.

Mechanism of action:- 

Carvedilol is a cardiovascular agent for the treatment of CHF that combines beta - adrenoceptor blockade and vasodilation in a single racemic mixture . Non selective beta - adrenoceptor blocking activity present in the S(-)  enantiomer and alpha 1 - adrenoceptor blocking activity in present at equal potency in both the  R(+) and S(-)  enantiomer . Carvedilol has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. It's action on beta - receptors 10 time stronger than alpha - 1 receptors.

Used:-  

Used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), Angina (heart-related chest pain) and Heart failure.

side effects:- 

Fatigue, Dizziness, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Diarrhea, Increased glucose level in blood, Weight gain, Slow heart rate, Weakness, Nausea.

Dose:-

CHF : Strat with 3.125 BD for 2 weeks,if well tolerated gradually increase to max. Of 25mg BD.

Hypertension/angina: 6.25 mg BD intially, titrate to max of 25mg BD.

As directed by your doctor.