Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Coreg, Coreg CR
- Beta-Blockers, Alpha Activity
Description
Oral nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1-blocking properties; greater ratio of beta- to alpha-1 blocking effects; lipophilic beta-blocker; lacks ISA; indicated for HTN, post-MI, and CHF (improved morbidity and mortality in CHF, cardiomyopathy, and post-MI); off-label uses chronic angina and unstable angina.
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension, either as a single agent or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Contraindications
History of serious hypersensitivity reaction (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylactic reaction, angioedema) to any component of this medication or other medications containing carvedilol
Bronchial asthma, bronchospasm
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
2°/3° AV block, sick sinus syndrome without permanent pacemaker, cardiogenic shock, severe bradycardia, decompensated heart failure requiring IV inotropic medication
Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Effects
- Dizziness (2-32%)
- Fatigue (4-24%)
- Hypotension (9-20%)
- Weight gain (10-12%)
- Hyperglycemia (5-12%)
- Diarrhea (1-12%)
- Bradycardia (2-10%)
- Nausea (2-9%)
- Cough (5-8%)
- Headache (5-8%)
- Atrioventricular block, edema (1-7%)
- Angina (1-6%)
- Hpercholesterolemia (1-4%)
- Hypertriglyceredemia (1%)
- Vomiting (1-6%)
- Dyspnea (>3%)
- Syncope (3%)
- Rhinitis (2%)
- Hypertension
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Somnolence
- Skin rash
- Hepatotoxicity
- Impotence
- Bronchospasm
- Rales
- Depression
Warnings
Use cautioin in anesthesia or surgery (myocardial depression), cerebrovascular insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis, liver disease, peripheral vascular disease (monitor for progression of arterial obstruction), compromised left ventricular function, heart failure, pheochromocytoma, and myasthenia gravis
Avoid beta-blocker use in non-allergic bronchospasm (e.g., chronic bronchitis and emphysema); if deemed necessary, use with caution and at lowest effective dose
Combined incidence of hypotension, syncope, or dizziness reported in elderly patients (>65 years) switched from highest dose of immediate-release carvedilol (25 mg q12hr) to extended-release carvedilol 80 mg/day
When elderly patients are switched from higher doses of immediate-release carvedilol to extended-release carvedilol, a lower starting dose is recommended
Sudden discontinuance can exacerbate angina and lead to myocardial infarction
Increased risk of stroke after surgery
Dosage should be reduced if bradycardia (HR <55 beats/min) develops
May mask hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism
May worsen arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease
Use caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment
Pregnancy and Lactation
Available data in pregnant women are insufficient to determine whether there are drug-associated risks of adverse developmental outcomes; there are risks to mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled hypertension in pregnancy
There are no data on presence of carvedilol in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production
Maximum Dosage
50 mg/day PO regular-release carvedilol for hypertension or post-myocardial infarction; 100 mg/day PO regular-release carvedilol for heart failure; 80 mg/day PO extended-release carvedilol phosphate capsules (Coreg CR) for hypertension, post-myocardial infarction, and heart failure.
50 mg/day PO regular-release carvedilol for hypertension or post-myocardial infarction; 100 mg/day PO regular-release carvedilol for heart failure; 80 mg/day PO extended-release carvedilol phosphate capsules (Coreg CR) for hypertension, post-myocardial infarction, and heart failure.
Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, a common maximum target dose of 0.8 to 1 mg/kg/day PO (Max: 50 mg/day) using immediate-release tablets has been studied off-label.
Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, a common maximum target dose of 0.8 to 1 mg/kg/day PO (Max: 50 mg/day) has been studied off-label.
Safety and efficacy have not been established. A common maximum target dose of 0.8 to 1 mg/kg/day PO is used off-label, and up to 2 mg/kg/day has been reported in one infant.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Carvedilol phosphate
capsule, extended release
- 10mg
- 20mg
- 40mg
- 80mg
tablet
- 3.125mg
- 6.25mg
- 12.5mg
- 25mg