Labetalol hydrochloride

Labetalol Hydrochloride is a non-selective beta blocker/selective alpha-1 blocker that is used to lower blood pressure. It is marketed under various trade names, including Trandate, Normodyne, and Labetalol Duraclon.

Pharmacology

Labetalol Hydrochloride is a mixed alpha/beta adrenergic antagonist, which is used to treat high blood pressure. It can be given orally in tablet form or intravenously.

Mechanism of Action

Labetalol blocks adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle, resulting in a decrease in vascular resistance and blood pressure. It has both selective, competitive, alpha-1-adrenergic blocking and nonselective, competitive, beta-adrenergic blocking activity.

Indications

Labetalol is used in the management of hypertension. It may also be used for the prevention of migraine.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Labetalol Hydrochloride include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and headache. Serious side effects may include heart failure, bronchospasm, and hypotension.

Contraindications

Labetalol is contraindicated in patients with overt heart failure, greater-than-first-degree heart block, severe bradycardia, other conditions that could cause severe, prolonged hypotension, and those with a history of obstructive airway disease including asthma.

Interactions

Labetalol may interact with other drugs such as cimetidine, nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, and digitalis.

See Also

• Beta blocker
• Alpha-1 blocker
• Hypertension

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