Use of carvedilol in the treatment of heart failure

Carvedilol is a multiple action, non-specific, adrenergic beta-blocker, licensed for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe chronic heart failure. This article considers the evidence for using beta-blockers in general, and carvedilol in particular, in the treatment of heart failure. Evidence suggests that carvedilol should be considered as an alternative first-line initiation therapy.