title: A randomized comparison of labetalol and nitroprusside for induced hypotension.
abstract: In a randomized study, labetalol-induced hypotension and nitroprusside-induced hypotension were compared in 20 patients (10 in each group) scheduled for major orthopedic procedures. Each patient was subjected to an identical anesthetic protocol and similar drug-induced reductions in mean arterial blood pressure (BP) (50 to 55 mmHg). Nitroprusside infusion was associated with a significant (p less than 0.05) increase in heart rate and cardiac output; rebound hypertension was observed in three patients after discontinuation of nitroprusside. Labetalol administration was not associated with any of these findings. Arterial PO2 decreased in both groups. It was concluded that labetalol offers advantages over nitroprusside.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Fahmy
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Bottros
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Charchaflieh
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Matta
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sunder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005292:Ferricyanides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007023:Hypotension, Controlled; D007741:Labetalol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010313:Partial Pressure; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
chemical_list: D005292:Ferricyanides; D009599:Nitroprusside; D007741:Labetalol; D010100:Oxygen