Labetalol in essential hypertension.
1 Labetalol is an effective agent in essential hypertension as documented in open studies and controlled studies in which its efficacy has been compared with both placebo and a variety of other anti-hypertensive drugs. 2 Labetalol given by mouth lowers blood pressure rapidly. There is no evidence of tolerance to its anti-hypertensive action. 3 Adverse effects include excessive hypotension, but only when the drug is given in large doses. Epigastric discomfort and scalp tingling have been documented especially after intravenous administration. 4 From a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic point of view, labetalol can be given once daily, but postural hypotension after large (greater than 1 g) single doses may limit the usefulness of once daily regimes. Twice daily administration appears an acceptable compromise.
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007741:Labetalol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D004232:Diuretics; D004983:Ethanolamines; D007741:Labetalol