Carvedilol: A Nonselective β Blocking Agent With Antioxidant Properties

Despite advances in therapy, congestive heart failure is a major public health problem with a high mortality and morbidity. The benefits of β blockers in slowing disease progression and decreasing mortality have recently been shown in large clinical trials. Oxidative stress contributes to disease progression in both post-myocardial reperfusion injury and dilated cardiomyopathy. Several medications are known to have antioxidant effects, including some angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Carvedilol is a non-selective β blocker with antioxidant properties approved for use in congestive heart failure.