Labetalol
Class:
Sympathetic blocker.
Actions:
Selectively blocks ÿ1 receptors and nonselectively blocks ß receptors.
Indications:
Hypertensive crisis.
Contraindications:
Bronchial asthma, congestive heart failure, heart block, bradycardia,
cardiogenic shock.
Precautions:
Blood pressure, pulse, and EKG must be constantly monitored. Atropine and
transcutaneous pacing should be available.
Side Effects:
Bradycardia, heart block, congestive heart failure, bronchospasm, postural
hypotension.
Dosage:
Method 1: 20 mg by slow IV infusion over 2 minutes; doses of 40 mg can be
repeated in 10 minutes until desired supine blood pressure is obtained or until
300 mg of the drug has been given.
Method 2: 200 mg placed in 500 ml d5w to deliver 2 mg/minute.
Routes:
IV infusion or slow IV bolus as described earlier.
Pediatric Dosage:
Safety in children has not been established.
Note: Feel free to discuss this medication and your experiences in administering it in an emergency or hospital based setting on our message board
