What Is Carvedilol Used For?

What is carvedilol used for? This prescription drug is used to treat congestive heart failure, control high blood pressure, and improve survival following a heart attack. Carvedilol is used for off-label uses as well, such as treating hyperthyroidism, arrhythmias, and anxiety. While not generally approved for use in children, it may be used to slow down the aortic dilation seen in children with Marfan syndrome.

 

What Is Carvedilol Used For? -- An Overview

Carvedilol (Coreg®) has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These carvedilol uses include:
 
Carvedilol for High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers (for example, 120/80). The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, carvedilol has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The higher the dose of carvedilol, the greater the drop in blood pressure is expected to be. By lowering blood pressure, carvedilol can also decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Carvedilol does not, however, cure high blood pressure.
(What Is Carvedilol Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;