title: Labetalol infusion in hypertensive emergencies.
abstract: The antihypertensive effects of labetalol infusion (2 mg/min; maximal dose 150 mg) were evaluated in 22 subjects requiring rapid lowering of blood pressure because of severe hypertension, a hypertensive crisis after surgery, or before angiographic examination. Overall systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced from 201 +/- 4 to 164 +/- 4 mm Hg and from 123 +/- 3 to 107 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively. By the end of the infusion, diastolic blood pressure in 16 (73%) subjects was lowered to less than or equal to 110 mm Hg. No adverse effects were encountered, but one subject had a transitory hypotensive episode that did not require treatment. Intravenous labetalol appears effective and well tolerated in the control of blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004630:Emergencies; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007741:Labetalol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004983:Ethanolamines; D007741:Labetalol