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.
