

Dilatrend is a prescription medication that contains carvedilol, a non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity. It is used to treat certain heart and blood pressure conditions in adults. It helps reduce the workload on the heart and lowers blood pressure. It is commonly prescribed for heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), and left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack.
Dilatrend is marketed in several countries under this brand name. In the United States, carvedilol is approved and available under different brand and generic names. The Dilatrend tablets offered here contain the same active ingredient (carvedilol) and are used for the same approved heart-related conditions.
Below is a quick overview of important facts for patients and caregivers:
| Product Name | Dilatrend |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Carvedilol |
| Strengths | 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg |
| Drug Class | Beta-blocker (alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker) |
| Primary Use | Heart failure, hypertension, post-heart attack heart dysfunction |
| Dosage Form | Oral tablet |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, away from moisture. |
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Dilatrend (carvedilol) is prescribed for:
Dilatrend (carvedilol) works through dual receptor blocking activity:
As a result, Dilatrend:
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. General guidelines include:
Stopping beta-blockers abruptly may worsen chest pain or increase the risk of a heart attack.
The dosage of Dilatrend must be individualized and closely monitored by a healthcare provider. It should be taken with food to reduce the risk of dizziness and orthostatic effects.
| Condition | Starting Dose | Titration | Target / Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Failure | 3.125 mg twice daily for 2 weeks | Increase every ≥ 2 weeks to 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, then 25 mg twice daily (if tolerated) | 25 mg twice daily (Up to 50 mg twice daily in patients >85 kg) |
| Left Ventricular Dysfunction After MI | 6.25 mg twice daily (3.125 mg twice daily may be used if clinically indicated) | Increase after 3-10 days to 12.5 mg twice daily, then to 25 mg twice daily | 25 mg twice daily |
| Hypertension | 6.25 mg twice daily | Increase after 7-14 days to 12.5 mg twice daily, then to 25 mg twice daily if needed | Maximum total daily dose: 50 mg |
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Important dosing notes:
Taking too much Dilatrend (carvedilol) may cause serious symptoms, including:
In severe cases, overdose can be life-threatening. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical help or contact a poison control center. Treatment usually requires hospital monitoring and supportive care.
Dilatrend (carvedilol) may cause side effects in some people. While many users tolerate it well, certain reactions can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Commonly reported Dilatrend side effects are listed below:
Stop taking Dilatrend and get urgent medical care if you experience:
If any side effects bother you, last longer than expected, or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Carvedilol in Dilatrend affects heart rate and blood pressure and must be used under close medical supervision. Dose adjustments should be gradual and carefully monitored, especially during treatment initiation and up-titration.
Dilatrend may cause:
Risk is higher during the first weeks of treatment or during dose increases.
Various precautions should be taken when taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have:
Blood pressure, heart rate, kidney function, and blood glucose may require monitoring during treatment.
This medication should be used with caution in patients with:
Pregnancy:
Available data on the use of carvedilol in pregnant women fail to determine drug-associated risk. However, poorly controlled hypertension during pregnancy carries risks for both the mother and fetus. Use of beta-blockers during the third trimester may increase the risk of:
Newborns exposed during late pregnancy should be monitored for these symptoms. Animal studies in rats and rabbits showed increased fetal loss and developmental effects at doses higher than those used clinically. Pregnant women with hypertension require close monitoring. Dilatrend should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
Breastfeeding:
There are no data on the presence of carvedilol in human breast milk or on its effects in breastfed infants. Carvedilol is present in the milk of lactating rats. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother’s need for Dilatrend and any potential risk to the infant. Consult your healthcare provider before using Dilatrend while breastfeeding.
Dilatrend (carvedilol) may interact with certain medications and require dose adjustments or close monitoring.
Medications that may increase carvedilol levels:
Medications that may decrease the effect of carvedilol:
Medications that may increase risk:
Always inform your healthcare provider about all over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescription medicines you are taking before using Dilatrend.
The choice of alternative depends on the condition being treated (heart failure, hypertension, or post-heart attack management) and individual patient factors.
| Brand Name | Beta-1 selective blocker | Drug Class |
|---|---|---|
| Coreg | Carvedilol (extended-release) | Beta-blocker (alpha and beta blocker) |
| Toprol-XL | Metoprolol succinate | Beta-1 selective blocker |
| Zebeta | Bisoprolol | Beta-1 selective blocker |
| Lopressor | Metoprolol tartrate | Beta-1 selective blocker |
| Tenormin | Atenolol | Beta-1 selective blocker |
| Inderal | Propranolol | Non-selective beta-blocker |
| Norvasc | Amlodipine | Calcium channel blocker |
| Cozaar | Losartan | Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) |
| Vasotec | Enalapril | ACE inhibitor |
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Important notes:
Prescription heart medications like Dilatrend can be expensive at many U.S. retail pharmacies. Ordering Dilatrend online from Polar Bear Meds helps reduce overall costs while maintaining safety, quality, and reliability.
All Dilatrend orders are processed through licensed Canadian pharmacies that follow strict quality and safety standards. A valid prescription is required for every purchase to ensure proper medical use and patient protection.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace expert medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Dilatrend is a prescription medication used to treat certain cardiovascular conditions. Always consult an authorized healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage. Individual results, side effects, and dosing needs may vary.

Dr. Jackson Miller is a board-certified medicine physician & hospitalist. He is a healthcare professional with a strong background in patient care. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he believes the foundation of good health is a patient who feels informed and empowered. He contributes to medical content review, drawing on his background in clinical practice and patient education. He focuses on presenting health information in a clear, accurate, and accessible way to help readers make informed decisions. His work emphasizes clarity, evidence-based guidance, and understandable explanations of medical topics.
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