What Is Carvedilol?

Carvedilol is a prescription beta blocker that lowers blood pressure, slows the heart rate, and relaxes blood vessels to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and heart attack recovery.

Sold under the brand names Coreg (immediate-release tablets) and Coreg CR (extended-release capsules), Carvedilol was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is now available as a generic from manufacturers including Teva, Aurobindo, Zydus, and Sun Pharma.

What sets Carvedilol apart from most beta blockers is its triple-blocking action: it blocks beta-1, beta-2, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. This combination gives it blood pressure-lowering benefits that go beyond what typical beta blockers offer. It is not a controlled substance.

What Is Carvedilol Used For?

The FDA has approved Carvedilol for three conditions:

1. Heart Failure

Carvedilol is one of the most widely prescribed medications for heart failure (NYHA Class II through IV). It's used alongside other standard therapies to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve survival. Major clinical trials, including COPERNICUS and COMET, showed that Carvedilol significantly reduces mortality in heart failure patients.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Carvedilol lowers blood pressure through two mechanisms: slowing the heart (beta blockade) and relaxing blood vessels (alpha-1 blockade). It can be used alone or combined with other blood pressure medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

3. Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Heart Attack

For patients who have had a heart attack and developed reduced heart function (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%), Carvedilol helps protect the heart from further damage and reduces the risk of another cardiac event.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Carvedilol off-label for:

• Atrial fibrillation (heart rate control)
• Portal hypertension and variceal bleeding prevention in cirrhosis
• Angina pectoris (chest pain)
• Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

How Is Carvedilol Taken?

Carvedilol comes in two formulations:

• Immediate-release tablets: 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, and 25 mg — taken twice daily with food
• Extended-release capsules (Coreg CR): 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg — taken once daily in the morning with food

Typical Dosing

Dosing depends on the condition being treated:

• Hypertension: Start at 6.25 mg twice daily, increasing to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily.
• Heart failure: Start at 3.125 mg twice daily. Gradually increase every 2 weeks to a target of 25 mg twice daily (or 50 mg twice daily if you weigh more than 85 kg / 187 lbs).
• Post-heart attack: Start at 6.25 mg twice daily, with a target of 25 mg twice daily.

Important dosing rules:

• Always take with food — this slows absorption and reduces the risk of dizziness from low blood pressure.
• Swallow extended-release capsules whole, or sprinkle the contents on applesauce and swallow immediately without chewing.
• Take at the same times each day.
• Never stop Carvedilol abruptly. Stopping suddenly can cause rebound high blood pressure, chest pain, or even a heart attack. Always taper under your doctor's supervision.

Who Should Not Take Carvedilol?

Carvedilol is contraindicated in people with:

• Bronchial asthma or related breathing conditions — Carvedilol can trigger bronchospasm.
• Second- or third-degree heart block without a pacemaker
• Sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker
• Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
• Decompensated heart failure requiring IV medications
• Cardiogenic shock
• Severe liver impairment
• Known allergy to Carvedilol

Carvedilol requires caution in:

• Diabetic patients — It can mask signs of low blood sugar (except sweating).
• Elderly patients — Higher risk of dizziness and falls.
• Pregnant women — Category C; use only if benefits outweigh risks.
• Breastfeeding women — Not recommended.

For a full list of drug interactions to be aware of, see our dedicated article.

How Much Does Carvedilol Cost?

The price of Carvedilol varies significantly depending on whether you're getting the generic or brand name, and whether you use insurance or a discount card:

• Generic Carvedilol (immediate-release): As low as $4 to $6 with a discount coupon (GoodRx, SingleCare) for 60 tablets. Retail cash price without coupons is approximately $89 for 60 tablets of 12.5 mg.
• Brand-name Coreg: $200 to $500+ per month.
• Coreg CR (extended-release generic): $220 to $670 per month.
• Insurance: Generic Carvedilol is typically covered as a Tier 1 preferred generic, meaning low copays (often $0-$10). Coreg CR may require prior authorization.

Savings options are available. The Coreg CR Copay Savings Program offers brand-name Coreg CR for as little as $5 per fill for commercially insured patients. Patient assistance programs through GSK, NeedyMeds, and RxAssist can help uninsured patients. See our complete guide to Carvedilol savings for details.

Final Thoughts

Carvedilol is a well-established, evidence-based medication that plays a critical role in treating heart failure, high blood pressure, and post-heart attack recovery. Its unique triple-blocking action makes it one of the most effective beta blockers available.

Generic Carvedilol is widely available and affordable — often just a few dollars with a discount coupon. If you need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you check stock in your area.