Carvedilol Tablets

Category: Beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity
Form: Oral tablets

Uses:

• Treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Management of heart failure (chronic) to improve survival and reduce hospitalizations.

• Used after heart attack (myocardial infarction) to reduce heart strain and improve outcomes.

• Sometimes used for angina (chest pain).

Mechanism of Action:

• Carvedilol blocks beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and force of contraction.

• Also blocks alpha-1 receptors, causing vasodilation and reducing vascular resistance.

• Combination effect: lower blood pressure, reduced cardiac workload, and improved cardiac output.

Administration:

• Taken orally, usually once or twice daily depending on condition and formulation (immediate or extended-release).

• Should be taken with food to improve absorption and reduce risk of dizziness.

• Dose is titrated gradually to minimize side effects and allow the body to adjust.

Side Effects:

• Common: dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure (hypotension), slow heart rate (bradycardia).

• Cardiovascular: worsening heart failure in sensitive patients if started too rapidly.

• Other: weight gain, cold hands/feet, diarrhea, nausea.

• Rare: severe allergic reactions, bronchospasm in asthmatic patients, liver dysfunction.

Precautions:

• Use cautiously in patients with asthma, severe bradycardia, or advanced heart block.

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac function is recommended.

• Avoid sudden discontinuation, as this may worsen heart failure or trigger angina/heart attack.

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly indicated.

Summary:
Carvedilol Tablets are a non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and post-heart attack management. By reducing heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and decreasing cardiac workload, carvedilol improves cardiac function and outcomes. It requires gradual dose adjustment and monitoring, with dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure being the most common side effects.