Patients of cirrhosis with portal hypertension aged 18 to 75 years who have small esophageal
varices with or without red color signs and have not bled previously will be enrolled. After
baseline evaluation, the participants will be randomized to receive either Placebo or
Carvedilol 12.5 mg BD. After randomization they will be followed up for one year. The primary
endpoint of the study is the the proportions of patients who develop large varices (Gd 3 or
Gd 4) at 1 year in each group. The secondary endpoint are survival,reduction in HVPG,change
in CTP and MELD score& adverse events.