Carvedilol: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Carvedilol is a beta blocker that helps the heart beat more slowly and with less force. It is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and reduced left-heart function after a heart attack.
Carvedilol can help protect the heart and lower blood pressure, but it may cause dizziness, fatigue, or a slow pulse. Take it exactly as prescribed and do not stop it suddenly without medical advice.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AG02
- Generic
- Carvedilol
- Class
- beta-blocker
- Brands
- Coreg
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 7
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-pressure, heart-rate
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 12.5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2mg/kg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3.125mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother
regular fetal monitoring including heart rate and growth
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
carvedilol passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should either discontinue the drug or stop breastfeeding
monitor infant for signs of bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose (6.25mg once daily)
initiate therapy at lowest dose and titrate slowly; increased sensitivity to beta-blockade in elderly
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
carvedilol is not approved for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable as use is not recommended
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose in severe renal impairment
use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose reduction may be required
monitor renal function and electrolytes regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severecontraindicated
contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment due to metabolism requirements
liver function tests should be monitored periodically
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid excessive alcohol
alcohol may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect; avoid excessive alcohol consumption
monitor blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Carvedilol (Coreg)
Drug class
ATC code C07AG01
Common uses
Indications for Carvedilol
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy