Focus on carvedilol: A novel beta-adrenergic blocking agent for the treatment of congestive heart failure

Carvedilol (Coreg) is a nonselective beta-adrenoreceptor blocker with vasodilating activity. In addition to its earlier approval for the treatment of essential hypertension, the drug has recently become the first beta-blocking agent cleared in the United States for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). Clinical trials have shown that adding carvedilol to standard CHF therapy significantly reduces the risk of death and hospitalization in patients with mild to moderate CHF. To achieve these results, it is imperative that the dosage of carvedilol be titrated, carefully. Because of its documented ability to improve survival and morbidity outcomes, carvedilol is a welcome addition to the formulary.