Known brand names include Trandate.
A beta blocker that also blocks alpha receptors, so it relaxes blood vessels and keeps the heart from speeding up. Tablets treat high blood pressure, and the IV form is given for severe high blood pressure.
High-alert medication (IV only). IV adrenergic antagonists, with labetalol named, are on the ISMP acute care high-alert list. Oral labetalol tablets are not listed.
Sources: [1]
The labels do not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
None on the current tablet or injection labels. Abrupt cessation is a labeled warning instead.
No specific antidote. Overdose causes posture-sensitive hypotension and sometimes marked bradycardia: lay the patient flat, raise the legs if needed, and give supportive care. Shortly after an oral overdose, gastric lavage may help remove the drug. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis remove less than 1%.
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
No labeled dose change. Half-life is not altered in renal impairment, and dialysis removes less than 1%. IV use can transiently raise BUN and creatinine, mainly in patients with prior renal insufficiency.
Combines selective, competitive alpha-1 blockade with nonselective, competitive beta blockade; the alpha-to-beta ratio is about 1:3 orally and 1:7 IV. Blood pressure falls in a dose-related way through lower peripheral resistance, without reflex tachycardia and with only a small drop in resting heart rate. Because of the alpha-1 blockade, pressure falls more standing than supine. Oral doses peak at 2 to 4 hours; each IV dose reaches maximal effect within 5 minutes.