Labetalol hydrochloride

Question 1

Indications (3) - labetalol

Answer 1

❑ Severe hypertension and hypertensive emergencies
❑ Arterial hypertension in acute Ischemic stroke patients who are potential candidates for acute reperfusion therapy with a blood pressure level of Systolic >185 mmHg or diastolic >110 mmHg
❑ Management of blood pressure during reperfusion therapy and after reperfusion therapy; blood pressure level under 180 mmHg Systolic or under 105mmHg diastolic.

Question 2

Dosages (3) - labetalol

Answer 2

Hypertensive emergency: 10 - 20 mg SIVP initially; repeat 40 – 80 mg SIVP q 10 min to a maximum dose of 300 mg.

Acute Ischemic arterial hypertension in stroke prior to reperfusion therapy: 10 – 20 mg SIVP, repeat X 1

Blood pressure management peri/post reperfusion therapy: 10 mg SIVP followed by a continuous IV infusion of 2 -8 mg/minute: Mix: 1g /250 ml N/S [4 mg/ml]

Question 3

Contraindications (7) - labetalol

Answer 3

❑ Hypersensitivity
❑ CHF – severe LV failure
❑ Heart block (greater than 1st degree or 1st degree with PRI > 0.24 secs)
❑ Bradycardia < 60 bpm
❑ SBP < 100mmHg
❑ Cocaine in past 24 hours with chest pain
❑ Cardiogenic shock