Beta Blockers

Question 1

What is labatalol?

Answer 1

Used to treat severe hypertension

Question 2

What is labatalol MOA?

Answer 2

Blocks the beta-1 receptors in the myocardium and moderate blockage of beta-2 receptors in the lungs

Question 3

What is the result of labatalol?

Answer 3

The resting heart rate is slowed and blood pressure is reduced.

Question 4

Why may a patient with an acute ischemic stroke and concurrent hypertension (>180/110) receive labatalol instead of acute reperfusion therapy?

Answer 4

This patient may not be a candidate for reperfusion therapy because of the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage following said therapy. Therefore, labatalol is used to lower the blood pressure allowing for consideration of reperfusion therapy.

Question 5

What negative effects can labatalol have?

Answer 5

It can worse acute heart failure due to its bronchoconstrictive properties and slowing of the heart rate coupled with the increased vascular resistance.

Question 6

What are contraindications for labatalol?

Answer 6

Patients with:

• Pulmonary Edema
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• 2nd/3rd degree HB w/out pacemaker
• Asthma
• COPD

Question 7

What class pregnancy drug if labatalol?

Answer 7

Class C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh the risk