Labetalol
GENERIC NAME
Labetalol
TRADE NAME
Trandate
DESCRIPTION
Labetalol is a selective Alpha and Beta-Blocker used to manage hypertensive emergencies. It lowers blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance without significantly affecting stroke volume, heart rate, or cardiac output.
HOW SUPPLIED
Vial: 5 mg/ml (100 mg/20 ml)
INDICATIONS
- Hypertensive emergencies with acute neurological symptoms and signs of end-organ damage
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Hypersensitivity to Labetalol
- Pulmonary edema/crackles or overt cardiac failure
- Cardiogenic shock
- Second or third-degree AV blocks
- Heart rate less than 70 bpm
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Labetalol blocks both Alpha- and Beta-adrenergic receptors. It reduces blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance, with minimal effect on stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output. Onset of action is typically within 5 minutes.
SIDE EFFECTS
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
AUTHORIZATION
Paramedic: Standing order
DOSAGE
- Adult: 10 mg IV/IO over 2 minutes. May repeat dose after 10 minutes with Medical Control approval, up to a maximum of 30 mg. (Do not reduce the initial blood pressure by more than 25% in the first hour.)
- Pediatric: Contact Medical Control