Carvediolol (Coreg) Drug for Congestive Heart Failure: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Carvediolol
(Coreg, United States)

Use:

Carvediolol or Coreg is a beta blocker used as a vasodilator in hypertension and being investigated for congestive heart failure. Beta blockers are usually avoided in congestive heart failure because they slow the heart rate and decrease the force of contractions, but some peoples' symptoms improve because Carvediolol or Coreg blocks excessive adrenergic stimulation.

How It Works:

Carvediolol or Coreg blocks beta sites in cardiovascular tissue. Beta blockers as a rule must be used carefully in congestive heart failure, but Carvediolol or Coreg causes relaxation reducing the oxygen requirement of the heart.

Side Effects:

Carvediolol or Coreg can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, impaired peripheral circulation resulting in cold hands and feet, and sleep disturbances.

Cautions for People:

Carvediolol or Coreg is started at a low dose and slowly increased with monitoring. People with asthma must use it carefully because it, as do all beta blockers, has the ability to complicate asthma.

Drug Interactions:

Carvediolol or Coreg can interact with other drugs that also reduce blood pressure, resulting in too low a blood pressure.

Further Reading:

Lancet 1996;347:1199
N Engl J Med 1996;334:1349,1396
Circulation 1995;92:2776

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.