Generic Name: CARVEDILOL

Brand Name: CARVEDIL

Strength: 12.5mg

Form: TABLETS

Manufacturer: ZIM LABORATORIES LIMITED 

Imported by: RAINBOW LIFE SCIENCES PVT. LTD. 
Distributed by: AMBICA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Classification: ANTI-CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Indication/Uses: 

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

   • Usage: Carvedilol is prescribed to lower high blood pressure, which helps reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

2. Heart Failure

   • Usage: Used to treat mild to severe congestive heart failure, often in combination with other medications. Carvedilol helps improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and decrease the risk of hospitalization and mortality.

3. Left Ventricular Dysfunction Post-Myocardial Infarction

   • Usage: Indicated for patients who have had a heart attack and have left ventricular dysfunction. It improves survival and reduces the risk of further cardiovascular events.

4. Chronic Stable Angina

   • Usage: Used to manage chronic stable angina (chest pain), decreasing the frequency and severity of angina attacks by reducing the heart's oxygen demand.

Mechanism of Action

Carvedilol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-1 and beta-2) and alpha-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This action results in:

• Decreased Heart Rate: Reduces the force of contraction and heart rate, lowering the workload on the heart.
• Vasodilation: Relaxes blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and decreasing the resistance against which the heart must pump.
• Antioxidant Properties: Provides additional cardiovascular benefits through its antioxidant effects.

Dosage and Administration

• Initial Dose: Typically starts at a lower dose, such as 6.25mg to 12.5mg twice daily, and is gradually increased based on patient tolerance and response.
• Maintenance Dose: The usual maintenance dose for carvedilol in heart failure is 25mg twice daily (12.5mg twice daily for patients with moderate heart failure).
• Administration: Should be taken with food to slow the rate of absorption and reduce the incidence of orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing).

Precautions and Contraindications

• Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Use with caution as it can cause bronchospasm.
• Severe Bradycardia: Contraindicated in patients with severe bradycardia (slow heart rate) or heart block without a pacemaker.
• Liver Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Diabetes: Can mask signs of low blood sugar, such as tachycardia.