Carvedilol

Administration

• Type: Beta-blocker
• Dosage Forms: extended-release capsule, tablet
• Dosage Strengths: capsule, extended release: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg; tablet: 3.125mg, 6.25mg, 12.5mg, 25mg
• Routes of Administration: PO
• Common Trade Names: Coreg

Adult Dosing

• 3.125-50mg BID

Pediatric Dosing

Safety/efficacy not established

Special Populations

• Pregnancy Rating: C
• Lactation risk: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
• Renal dosing: no adjustment
• Hepatic dosing: contraindicated in severe liver disease

Contraindications

• Allergy to class/drug
• Cardiogenic shock
• Asthma or other bronchospastic condition
• 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, severe bradycardia, sick sinus
• Severe hepatic impairment

Adverse Reactions

Serious

• AV block, bradyarrhythmia, hypotension
• SJS/TEN
• Aplastic anemia
• Asthma with status asthmaticus
• Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (?!)

Common

• Bradyarrhythmia, hypotension
• Peripheral edema
• Weight gain, hyperglycemia
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction

Pharmacology

• Half-life: 7-10h
• Metabolism: Hepatic CYP2D6
• Excretion: Fecal/biliary

Mechanism of Action

• Nonselective beta-blocker with α-1 blocking activity

See Also

• Beta-blockers
• Beta-blocker toxicity
• Antiarrhythmics
• Antihypertensive medications