Antihypertensive effectiveness of intravenous labetalol in accelerated hypertension.
Labetalol, an antihypertensive agent that blocks both beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptors, was administered intravenously to 19 patients with accelerated hypertension who required rapid lowering of blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure was lowered from 209 +/- 4 to 143 +/- 2 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 140 +/- 2 to 93 +/- 2 mm Hg. Side-effects were minimal and included nausea, epigastric burning, rhinorrhea, and premature ventricular contractions. One patient became hypotensive and required treatment. Overall, the study demonstrates labetalol to be a safe and effective agent for the emergency lowering of blood pressure, with demonstrated results comparable to other parenteral agents.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007741:Labetalol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004983:Ethanolamines; D007741:Labetalol