Schwarzer R, et al. - The rates of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) response to different doses of carvedilol were comprehensively investigated during this study in patients with cirrhosis. Carvedilol (12.5 mg/d) was more effective in decreasing HVPG in primary prophylaxis than 6.25 mg/d. A HVPG-response ≥ 10% to carvedilol (12.5 mg/d) was achieved in 76% of the patients. Arterial hypotension, particularly in subjects with ascites, was a potential complication.