Antihypertensive profile of carvedilol.

The spectrum of demands on an antihypertensive agent is constantly increasing. It is not only supposed to reduce blood pressure, but also to have a certain profile with regard to pathophysiology, hemodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical applicability. Carvedilol is a new beta-blocking agent without ISA, which causes vasodilation primarily through an alpha 1-blockade. It combines the positive effects of alpha 1- and beta-blockade; the negative properties are offset by each other. It not only provides theoretical advantages, but also shows a favourable hemodynamic profile and is effective and safe. Advantages in both primary and secondary prevention can be expected. It can be administered once daily, is well suited to patient needs, and can be combined with other hypertensive drugs. It also exerts a favorable influence on many secondary diseases. The compelling advantages of the drug make it an important addition to our armamentarium for the treatment of arterial hypertension as a first-line drug.