[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Beta blockers](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/beta-blockers/) › Carvedilol [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Beta blockers](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/beta-blockers/) # Carvedilol A beta blocker that also blocks α1 receptors, so it widens vessels. A key drug in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Updated 2026-11-01 - Class: [Beta blockers](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/beta-blockers/) - Receptor: β- and α1-adrenergic receptors - ATC code: C07AG02 ◎**β- and α1-adrenergic receptors**Carvedilol ⓘ The figure shows carvedilol bound to the human β2 receptor (fused to a T4 lysozyme for crystallisation); carvedilol blocks β1 and α1 receptors as well. **Target in 3D:** β- and α1-adrenergic receptors. PDB structure 6PS3 (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/6PS3) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom ## Mechanism of action Carvedilol blocks β1 and β2 receptors without selectivity and also blocks α1 receptors on arterioles. The β block slows the heart and lowers renin; the α1 block dilates vessels, so blood pressure and afterload fall without a rise in peripheral resistance. In heart failure, long-term use shields the heart from sympathetic overdrive and reduces deaths. - Carvedilol blocks β1, β2 and α1 receptors - β block: slower heart rate and less renin - α1 block: arterioles dilate and afterload falls ## Pharmacokinetics **Absorption** Well absorbed but with a large first-pass loss; given with food to slow absorption and limit orthostatic hypotension **Metabolism** Liver, largely by CYP2D6 **Half-life** About 7 to 10 hours ## Indications - Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [Heart failure →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/heart-failure/) - Left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction [Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/myocardial-infarction/) - High blood pressure [Arterial hypertension →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/arterial-hypertension/) ## Adverse effects ### Common - Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension - Fatigue - Bradycardia - Weight gain and fluid retention - Higher blood glucose ### Serious (rare, important) - Worse heart failure during titration - Severe bradycardia or heart block - Bronchospasm - Angina or infarction after abrupt withdrawal ## Contraindications - Bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions - Second- or third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome or severe bradycardia without a pacemaker - Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure needing IV inotropes - Severe liver impairment ## Key interactions **CYP2D6 inhibitors (for example fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine)** Higher carvedilol levels **Digoxin** Higher digoxin levels and added slowing of AV conduction **Verapamil or diltiazem** Conduction disturbances and hypotension **Insulin and oral antidiabetics** Stronger glucose-lowering effect and masked hypoglycaemia ## What is monitored - Heart rate and standing blood pressure - Weight and signs of fluid retention - Glucose in diabetes - Kidney function in heart failure ## Administration and safety - Given by mouth with food, which lowers the risk of orthostatic hypotension - Started low and raised step by step; withdrawn gradually, never suddenly - Immediate-release and extended-release forms are not interchangeable one-to-one: the form is checked ## Nursing care - Check pulse and lying and standing blood pressure before doses and during titration - Weigh daily in heart failure and report a quick gain or new oedema - Teach the patient to stand up slowly and not to stop the drug abruptly - Watch for wheezing in patients with lung disease ## Pregnancy and breastfeeding Human data are limited; beta blockers can slow fetal growth and cause bradycardia and hypoglycaemia in the newborn. ## Memory aid CARVEdilol CARVEs two paths: β to rest the heart and α to open the vessels. ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What does carvedilol block besides β receptors? α1 receptors on arterioles, which adds vasodilation and explains orthostatic hypotension. ## Why is carvedilol given with food? Food slows its absorption and lowers the risk of orthostatic hypotension. ## Can carvedilol be used in a patient with asthma? No. It is non-selective for β receptors, and bronchial asthma is a contraindication. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/carvedilol/) ## Related drugs - [Bisoprolol](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/bisoprolol/) - [Metoprolol](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/metoprolol/) - [Labetalol](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/labetalol/) ## Related conditions - [Heart failure](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/heart-failure/) - [Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/myocardial-infarction/) - [Arterial hypertension](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/arterial-hypertension/) [← Back to the class: Beta blockers](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/beta-blockers/) Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given. Sources: [DailyMed - CARVEDILOL tablet, film coated](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ab8aa773-0ed1-4d59-a1bb-f46cf882644f) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=C07AG02) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/carvedilol/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/carvedilol/