what is carvedilol used for

Carvedilol is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevent heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a beta-blocker that works by slowing down the heart rate and making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. Carvedilol can also be given with other medicines to treat heart failure and to prevent chest pain caused by angina. It is available as tablets and extended-release capsules, and it is usually taken once or twice a day with food. The medication starts to work after about 1 hour, but it will take days or weeks for it to reach its full effect. Carvedilol is only available on prescription, and it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins, or supplements.