Precautions and warnings

Avoid abrupt withdrawal as it may precipitate thyroid storm or exacerbate hyperthyroidism. Liver injury; vascular disease, renal failures, suspected phaeochromocytoma and prinzmetal's variable angina; worsening cardiac failure or fluid retention during increase in dosage of carvedilol; diabetic patients. Pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Decreased serum levels w/ rifampicin. Combination w/ Ca channel blockers (e.g. verapamil and diltiazem) can lead to bradycardia and myocardial depression. Potentiates insulin-induced hypoglycaemic action. May increase hypoglycaemic effects of antidiabetic agents. Increased risk of bradycardia w/ digoxin. Increased risk of hypotension and bradycardia w/ reserpine, MAOIs, clonidine. May increase ciclosporin concentrations. Concurrent use w/ ether, cyclopropane, trichloroethylene may increase the risk of hypotension and heart failure.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity; severe chronic heart failure, bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions; severe hepatic impairment. Patients with NYHA class IV cardiac failure, 2nd or 3rd ° AV block, sick sinus syndrome (unless a permanent pacemaker is in place), cardiogenic shock or severe bradycardia. Lactation.

Mode of actions

Carvedilol is a non selective ?-adrenergic blocking agent which causes vasodilation by blocking the activity alpha-1 receptors. It exerts antihypertensive effect partly by reducing total peripheral resistance and vasodilation.

Dosage & Administration

Hypertension
Adult: Initially, 12.5 mg once daily increased to 25 mg once daily after 2 days. Alternatively, initial dose of 6.25 mg bid increased to 12.5 mg bid after 1-2 wk, increased further if necessary to 50 mg once daily or in divided doses.
Elderly: 12.5 mg once daily.
Angina pectoris
Adult: Initially, 12.5 mg bid increased to 25 mg bid after 2 days.
Heart failure
Adult: Initially, 3.125 mg bid, doubled to 6.25 mg bid after 2 wk if tolerated, then gradually increased to the max dose the patient can tolerate at intervals of not 85 kg: 50 mg bid;

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Pack Size & Price