From the Guidelines
Coreg (carvedilol) is a beta-blocker with combined alpha- and beta-receptor blocking properties, making it more specifically classified as an alpha/beta-adrenergic blocking agent. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults 1, carvedilol is listed under the category of "Beta blockers—combined alpha- and beta-receptor" with a usual dose range of 12.5–50 mg/day and a daily frequency of 2. This classification is based on its mechanism of action, which involves blocking both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors in the heart and blood vessels, as well as alpha-1 receptors in blood vessels.
The dual mechanism of carvedilol allows it to reduce heart rate and cardiac output while also causing vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure more effectively than traditional beta-blockers. Carvedilol is commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack. The medication's ability to reduce workload on the heart while improving blood flow makes it particularly valuable for patients with both hypertension and heart failure. Unlike some other beta-blockers, carvedilol has a more favorable metabolic profile, with less negative impact on blood glucose and lipid levels, making it a good option for patients with diabetes or metabolic disorders who require beta-blocker therapy. As noted in the treatment of hypertension in patients with coronary artery disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American Society of Hypertension 1, carvedilol may be particularly appealing because of its additional α-blocking properties and more favorable effect on glycemic control.
From the FDA Drug Label
Carvedilol Tablet is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called “betablockers” The drug class of Coreg (carvedilol) is beta blockers 2.
- Key characteristics: nonselective β-adrenergic blocking agent with α1-blocking activity 2. The main point is that Coreg is classified as a beta blocker, which is a group of medicines used to treat various conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
From the Research
Drug Class of Coreg (Carvedilol)
- Coreg, also known as carvedilol, belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-blockers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- More specifically, carvedilol is a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking vasodilator drug 4
- It has both beta-blocking and alpha-blocking properties, which distinguishes it from other beta-blockers 4, 6
- The combination of these properties makes carvedilol useful in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease 4, 6, 7
Mechanism of Action
- The beta-blocking component of carvedilol inhibits the reflex tachycardia that occurs following alpha-blockade 4
- The alpha-blocking component of carvedilol may overcome the direct vasoconstrictor consequence of beta 2-blockade 4
- Carvedilol also has antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its beneficial effects in heart failure 6