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Carvedilol

Prescription

Non-Selective Beta/Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity providing vasodilation. Also has antioxidant properties. Reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and afterload without reflex tachycardia.

At a glance

Class

Non-Selective Beta/Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic heart failure (adjunct to ACE inhibitor

Dose

0.2–0.4 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q12h

🐈

Cat

Limited feline data

Dose

0.1–0.2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q12h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate and rhythmBlood pressureEchocardiogram q3–6 monthsRespiratory rate

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Verapamil

contraindicated

Non-selective beta-blocker + non-DHP calcium channel blocker: synergistic negative inotropy causing severe bradycardia, AV block, or cardiac arrest.

Management: NEVER combine, especially IV. Oral combination only under specialist supervision.

Major — 1

Diltiazem

major

Non-selective beta-blocker + non-DHP calcium channel blocker: additive negative inotropy, chronotropy, dromotropy. Risk of severe bradycardia and heart failure decompensation.

Management: Avoid concurrent use or use under cardiologist supervision with ECG monitoring.

Moderate — 1

Insulin, Glargine

moderate

Beta-blockers mask hypoglycemia symptoms (tremors, tachycardia) and prolong hypoglycemic episodes by blocking glycogenolysis (beta-2 mediated). Non-selective beta-blockers (carvedilol) worse than cardioselective.

Management: Use with caution in diabetics. Monitor glucose more frequently. Educate owners about atypical hypoglycemia signs.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Coreg

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Carvedilol?

Carvedilol is a non-selective beta/alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used in pets. Non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity providing vasodilation. Also has antioxidant properties. Reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and afterload without reflex tachycardia.

›What is Carvedilol used for in pets?

Carvedilol is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic heart failure (adjunct to ACE inhibitor; Limited feline data.

›What is the Carvedilol dose for dogs?

For dogs, Carvedilol is typically dosed as follows — Used for dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic heart failure (adjunct to ACE inhibitor: 0.2–0.4 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Carvedilol dose for cats?

For cats, Carvedilol is typically dosed as follows — Limited feline data: 0.1–0.2 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Carvedilol need a prescription?

Yes. Carvedilol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database