Overall dizziness is the most common side effect. Other events reported frequently include bradycardia, hypotension and fluid retention. The additional cost of beta-blocker therapy needs to be weighed against the reported reduction in deaths and hospitalisations. At current prices one year s treatment with carvedilol 25mg bd costs 327. In clinical trials it has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death in patients with moderate heart failure already treated with ACE inhibitors and diuretics.
Treatment needs to be initiated slowly under careful medical supervision.
References Roche Products Ltd. Eucardic. Summary of Product Characteristics 2000. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of heart failure. Watson RDS et al. Clinical features and complications.