Labetalol is a beta-blocker that can lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms of pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that produces excess catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) 12. Labetalol can block alpha and beta receptors, preventing the surge of catecholamines that occurs during surgery or stress 34. Labetalol can be given before surgery to stabilize the blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, or arrhythmia 56. However, labetalol is not a first-line treatment for pheochromocytoma, and it should be used with caution in some patients, such as those with asthma, heart failure, or diabetes 17. Therefore, labetalol should only be used under the guidance of a doctor who can monitor its effects and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Labetalol
- I. Introduction
- II. Uses of Labetalol
- III. How Labetalol Works
- IV. Composition of Labetalol
- V. Dosage and Administration
- VI. Common Side Effects
- VII. Less Common Side Effects and Complications
- VIII. Warnings and Contraindications
- IX. Interaction with Other Drugs
- X. Careful Administration and Important Precautions
- XI. Special Populations
- XII. Overdosage
- XIII. Storage Guidelines
- XIV. Handling Precautions
I. Introduction
Brief Overview of Labetalol
Historical Background
Importance in Modern Medicine
II. Uses of Labetalol
Management of Hypertension
Labelatol First line treatment; Primarily used as a medication to lower blood pressure. Long term control; Effective, for managing hypertension.
- Labelatol is a brand name for labetalol, a beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure)12. Labetalol oral is sometimes given with other blood pressure medications2. Labetalol injection is used when hypertension is severe1.
- Labetalol is a first-line treatment for hypertensive emergencies, as it can rapidly lower blood pressure without causing reflex tachycardia or significant reduction in heart rate34. It can also be used for perioperative management of hypertension by anesthesia providers3.
- Labetalol is effective for long-term control of hypertension, as it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart attack56. It works by causing the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure2.
References:
1: Labetalol Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com 2: Labetalol: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More - Healthline 3: Labetalol - National Center for Biotechnology Information 4: Labetalol: MedlinePlus Drug Information 5: Labetalol: a review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics … - PubMed 6
Use in Hypertensive Crises
Labetalol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) by causing the heart to beat more slowly and with less force1. It is a first-line treatment for hypertensive emergencies, severe hypertension with signs of damage to target organs such as the brain, heart, or kidneys2. Labetalol can rapidly lower blood pressure without causing reflex tachycardia or a significant reduction in heart rate3. It can also be used for perioperative management of hypertension by anesthesia providers3. Labetalol is useful for most hypertensive emergencies, except acute pulmonary edema or aortic dissection4. It is also preferred for pregnancy-related hypertensive emergency or acute ischemic stroke4. Labetalol can be given as an intravenous (IV) push or infusion, depending on the severity and urgency of the situation12.
References:
1: Labetalol: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More - Healthline 2: Hypertensive Emergencies - Cardiovascular Disorders - Merck Manuals … 3: Labetalol - National Center for Biotechnology Information 4: Hypertensive Emergency: Pearls and Pitfalls for the ED Physician
Treatment of Pheochromocytoma Preoperatively
Off-Label Uses
Labetalol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. It is not approved by the FDA for other purposes, but some doctors may prescribe it off-label for certain situations. Off-label use means that a drug is used for a different purpose than what it was approved for.
One of the off-label uses of labetalol is to prevent migraines. Migraines are severe headaches that can cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms. Beta-blockers like labetalol can prevent migraines by reducing the effects of adrenaline on the blood vessels in the brain. Adrenaline can cause the blood vessels to constrict and dilate, which can trigger a migraine attack. By blocking adrenaline, labetalol can help prevent or reduce the frequency of migraines12.
Another off-label use of labetalol is to manage tachycardia caused by anxiety. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations. Anxiety can cause tachycardia by stimulating the release of adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster and harder. Beta-blockers like labetalol can help reduce tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure34.
However, labetalol is not a cure for anxiety or migraines, and it may not work for everyone. It also has some side effects and contraindications that should be considered before using it. Therefore, labetalol should only be used under the guidance of a doctor who can monitor its effects and adjust the dosage accordingly.
References:
1: Beta-Blockers for Migraine: Treatment, Side Effects, More - Healthline 2: Labetalol: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com 3: Beta-Blockers for Anxiety: Benefits, Side Effects, and Risks - Healthline 4: Labetalol: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More - Healthline