Generic Coreg

Several different manufacturers make generic Coreg, and it is available in four strengths. The Food and Drug Administration considers the generic version equivalent to the brand-name version of Coreg, but it may contain fillers or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with certain allergies or sensitivities.

An Overview of Generic Coreg

 Coreg® (carvedilol) is a prescription medication that is typically used to:
 
The medicine also may be used for other reasons, such as for the relief of migraines or anxiety.
 
Coreg is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name suggests, Coreg helps to block beta receptors, which are receptors in the body that bind to stress hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine). These receptors are found in many places throughout the body, including the heart and blood vessels. By blocking beta receptors, the medication causes the reverse effect of the stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as the workload on the heart. As a result, the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
 
Unlike a lot of other beta blockers, Coreg also blocks alpha receptors. The alpha blocker component of the drug works more on the peripheral blood vessels (arteries and veins) or on blood vessels in the arms and legs. By blocking the alpha receptors, Coreg relaxes these blood vessels.
 
Coreg was originally developed by GlaxoSmithKline. However, the patent has since expired and generic Coreg is now available.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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