Labetalol: response and safety in critically ill hemorrhagic stroke patients.
OBJECTIVE
To observe and characterize the blood pressure (BP)-lowering and adverse hemodynamic and/or central nervous system effects of intravenous bolus doses of labetalol in hemorrhagic stroke patients.


METHODS
Observational, prospective, pilot survey conducted over an eight-week period.


METHODS
Surgical intensive care unit.


METHODS
Patients admitted with an intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage.


METHODS
Absolute decline in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), time to peak reduction in SBP and DBP, and adverse hemodynamic and mental status changes.


RESULTS
Labetalol at doses between 5 and 25 mg lowered SBP by 6-19 percent (baseline 152-184 mm Hg) and DBP by 3-26 percent (baseline 50-99 mm Hg). Adverse hemodynamic or mental status changes were not detected following labetalol administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Small (< or = 25 mg) intravenous bolus doses of labetalol produce mild decreases in BP in hemorrhagic stroke patients.
Patel
R V
RV
Department of Pharmacy Services, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202.
Kertland
H R
HR
Jahns
B E
BE
Zarowitz
B J
BJ
Mlynarek
M E
ME
Fagan
S C
SC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007741:Labetalol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy
D007741:Labetalol