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Pharmacology: Carvedilol significantly reduces systemic blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, right atrial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and heart rate, while stroke volume index is increased.
Mechanism of Action: Carvedilol is a dual action cardiovascular agent with β-blocking and vasodilating properties. The β-blockade is noncardioselective and is devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Vasodilation is predominantly mediated through α-receptor antagonism.
Pharmacokinetics: Carvedilol is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak serum levels occurring after approximately 1 hr. The average elimination half-life is 6-7 hrs. Excretion is primarily in bile and significant accumulation of carvedilol or its active metabolites is unlikely in patients with renal impairment.
