coreg

Coreg is the brand name for carvedilol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. It is available as the generic carvedilol and in an extended-release form known as Coreg CR.

Medical uses include essential hypertension, chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and reduced risk of mortality after myocardial infarction in selected patients. It is generally reserved for stable patients and is not used for acute heart failure or in people with severe bronchospastic disease due to non-selective beta-blockade.

Mechanism: Carvedilol blocks β1 and β2 receptors and α1 receptors, lowering heart rate and contractility while causing vasodilation. The combination reduces blood pressure, afterload, and, in heart failure, can improve symptoms and survival.

Dosing and administration: Carvedilol is taken by mouth, usually starting at a low dose and titrating every 2 weeks based on tolerance. Common targets are 25 mg twice daily for lighter patients and 50 mg twice daily for heavier patients; heart-failure targets are adjusted by weight as described in guidelines. Coreg CR is the extended-release form given once daily.

Safety and side effects: Common adverse effects include dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, and bradycardia. Bronchospasm may occur in asthma or COPD. It can mask signs of hypoglycemia. Caution in liver impairment and during pregnancy. Do not stop abruptly; concomitant use with other antihypertensives requires monitoring.

Availability and history: Coreg was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and is widely prescribed; generic carvedilol is available worldwide.