Labetalol
Labetalol is a medication primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-blockers, which work by blocking the effects of certain natural substances like adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. Labetalol is also an alpha-blocker, which means it affects both beta and alpha receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.All grades of hypertension. Specially useful in pheochromocytoma and clonidine withdrawal hypertension.
Start with 50mg twice daily, increase at fortnightly intervals to 100-200mg twice daily. Usual dose : 200-400 mg daily.
Children, allergic disorders with predisposition to bronchospasm, right ventricular failure, secondary to pulmonary hypertension. A.V. block greater than 1st degree, sinus bradycardia shock, CHF, pregnancy, lactation, anaesthesia with agents producing myocardial depression.
Abrupt withdrawal, diabetes, cardiac failure, anaesthesia, hyperthyroidism, postural hypotension, eye and skin reaction, liver dysfunction.
Failure of ejaculation in males, headache, angina, jaundice, dreams, nightmares.
Labetalol Drug Interactions Patients who take diabetes medications to lower blood sugar may need to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while taking labetalol. Halothane anesthesia may contribute to the blood-pressure lowering effects of labetalol.
