Carvedilol

Carvedilol (Coreg®) is a non-selective beta blocker indicated in the treatment of mild to moderate congestive heart failure (CHF). In addition to blocking both β₁ and β₂ type adrenoreceptors, carvedilol also displays α₁-adrenergic antagonism as well, which confers the added benefit of reducing blood pressure through vasodilation. more...

More importantly, carvedilol also has a minimal potential for "inverse agonism", or the deactivation of an activated receptor. This is important to CHF sufferers since inverse agonism causes negative chronotropic and inotropic effects. Essentially, carvedilol does not decrease the rate or strength of the hearts contractions as much as other beta blocking medications. CHF often significantly reduces how well the heart pumps, so any medication that further weakens the rate or strength of contractions is undesireable, therefore making carvedilol a better treatment than a beta blocker with stronger inverse agonism (such as propranolol).

On January 10, 2006, GlaxoSmithKline announced to pharmicists and physicans that there will be a limited availability of Coreg. This is due to documentation procedures with the manufacturer. It is not known when will Coreg will become broadly available. Patients who are taking Coreg should consult their healthcare professional about what actions they should take due to the shortage.

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