- Class
- Beta blockers
- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Brand names
- Coreg
- Antidote or reversal
- Glucagon is used for beta-blocker overdose.
What is Carvedilol used for?
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
- Hypertension
- Left ventricular dysfunction after a myocardial infarction
How Carvedilol works
Nonselective beta blocker that also blocks alpha-1 receptors, which causes vasodilation.
Common side effects
- Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension
- Fatigue
- Bradycardia
- Weight gain
- Hyperglycemia
Report right away
- Fainting
- Rapid weight gain, edema or shortness of breath (worsening heart failure, especially when starting or increasing the dose)
- Wheezing
Nursing considerations for Carvedilol
- Check the apical pulse and blood pressure before each dose, including orthostatic readings when starting.
- Weigh heart failure patients daily.
- Give with food to slow absorption and reduce orthostatic hypotension.
Patient teaching
- Take with food.
- Get up slowly, especially after the first doses and dose increases.
- Do not stop suddenly.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Beta blockers practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Carvedilol belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
A patient's apical pulse is 52 before scheduled metoprolol. What should the nurse do first?
Show answer
Answer C: Hold the dose and notify the prescriber per the ordered parameters A heart rate below the ordered parameter (often 60) is a reason to hold a beta blocker and notify the prescriber. Never change a dose on your own.
-
Which patient condition makes propranolol the most concerning choice?
Show answer
Answer B: Asthma Propranolol is nonselective and blocks beta-2 receptors in the lungs, which can cause bronchospasm in a patient with asthma.
-
A patient with type 1 diabetes starts a beta blocker. Which teaching point is most important?
Show answer
Answer D: Tremor and fast heartbeat may not appear when blood sugar is low Beta blockade masks the adrenergic warning signs of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia and tremor. Sweating usually persists.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carvedilol used for?
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; Hypertension; Left ventricular dysfunction after a myocardial infarction.
What drug class is Carvedilol?
Carvedilol belongs to the class beta blockers. Nonselective beta blocker that also blocks alpha-1 receptors, which causes vasodilation.
What are the nursing considerations for Carvedilol?
Check the apical pulse and blood pressure before each dose, including orthostatic readings when starting. Weigh heart failure patients daily.
What should patients report while taking Carvedilol?
fainting; rapid weight gain, edema or shortness of breath (worsening heart failure, especially when starting or increasing the dose); wheezing.
What is the antidote for Carvedilol?
Glucagon is used for beta-blocker overdose.