What Is The Dosage Of Carvedilol?

Posted on Tue, 9 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 9 Sep 2014 Answered on

Wed, 1 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question :
Is there any difference between taking two, 3.125 mg carvedilol, or taking one, 6.25 mg carvedilol?
My theory is the one 6.25 mg arrives in the system all together. As opposed to, the two 3.125 mg pills possible dilution during digestion.
My 89 year old mother is prescribed one 6.25 mg carvedilol, twice a day. She only has the 3.125 mg left over from a stay in re-hab for a fractured pelvis. Where the in house doctor cut her carvedilol in half. I do not know why.
Does my theory hold water?

thanks.... XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Two daily doses necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.

I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Carvedilol reaches peak concentration after 1-2hrs of intake and gets excreted maximum 6-10 hours later. After that, next dose is necessary. If not, no action.

Take care.
Any further queries, happy to help again

Regards,
Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (7 hours later)

My question was not answered. The question is; does taking two 3.125 mg carvedilol pills together, differ in effectiveness from taking one 6.25 mg carvedilol?
My theory is the two 3.125 mg pills my be diluted during digestion, hence would not be as effective as one 6.25 mg pill arriving in the system concentrated.

Is my reasoning valid?

thanks... XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Theory is wrong. Half life of drug important

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Sorry, I could not make you understand.

Every drug has a certain time or half life, during which its activity will be more and after that period, its activity will reduce.

6.25mg taken at a time would be effective for maximum of 10-12 hours. However, after that, it will not have good effect. If divided and given twice daily, the activity will be present through out all 24 hours.

Regarding dilution and reduced absorption, yes its possible. However, only if vomiting is present, it could come out. If it goes in, it should get absorbed unless intestinal problems are present. Moreover, if all 6.25mg were to be absorbed, it would do double work and impact heart.

Hence I would say, two times, is better than one. High dosage could compromise the cardiac system. Dilution problems present, but depends on patients response. If less, then dose needs to be increased twice, but twice daily necessary.

Hope it helps.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar