Carvedilol is a nonselective beta blocker/alpha-1 blocker indicated in the treatment of mild to severe congestive heart failure (CHF) and high blood pressure. Relative to other beta blockers, carvedilol has minimal inverse agonist activity. This suggests that carvedilol has a reduced negative chronotropic and inotropic effect compared to other beta blockers, which may decrease its potential to worsen symptoms of heart failure. However, to date this theoretical benefit has not been established in clinical trials, and the current version of the ACC/AHA guidelines on congestive heart failure management does not give preference to carvedilol over other beta-blockers. Carvedilol is indicated in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF), as an adjunct to conventional treatments (ACE inhibitors and diuretics). The use of carvedilol has been shown to provide additional morbidity and mortality benefits in severe CHF.
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