SUMMARY:

Carvedilol comes in both an extended release capsule and an immediate release tablet. The brand name is Coreg. It is classified as an antihypertensive and beta-blocker with alpha blocking activity. Coreg works through selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonism. It has non-selective beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptor antagonism. It is a racemic mixture with no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. When discontinuing therapy taper the patient off the medication over 1-2 weeks. Some common side effects are dizziness, fatigue, and weight gain. Some serious side effects are severe bradycardia, SJS, and severe anemia. The medication should be taken with food in order to avoid and minimize orthostatic hypotension.