Coreg CR Uses
Various conditions related to the heart and blood vessels can be treated with Coreg CR. Specific reasons for using this medication include the treatment of heart failure and high blood pressure. The drug can also be used to help improve survival after a heart attack. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label uses of Coreg CR, such as for treating angina, arrhythmias, or hyperthyroidism.
What Is Coreg CR Used For?
Coreg CR® (carvedilol CR) has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These Coreg CR uses include:
- Treating heart failure
- Treating high blood pressure
- Improving survival after a heart attack.
Using Coreg CR for Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. This can lead to symptoms of CHF that include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Rapid weight gain.
(Click Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure for more information.)
For people with mild to severe congestive heart failure, Coreg CR decreases blood pressure and makes the heart more efficient, which allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. Because of these effects, carvedilol (the active ingredient in Coreg CR) has been shown to:
- Decrease the progression of congestive heart failure
- Improve congestive heart failure symptoms (including exercise tolerance)
- Decrease hospitalizations and loss of life from congestive heart failure.
This data comes from clinical studies where Coreg (the short-acting version) was combined with other congestive heart failure medications, including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®, Lanoxicap®). Similar results are expected with Coreg CR.
However, Coreg CR does not cure congestive heart failure.