Labetalol

Question 1

Trade name

Answer 1

Normodyne, trandate

Question 2

Class

Answer 2

Selective and non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker

Question 3

Mechanism of action

Answer 3

blood pressure reduces without reflex tachycardia; total peripheral resistance reduced without significant alteration in cardiac output

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

treatment of moderate to severe hypertension

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Bradycardia, patients with history of asthma, hypersensitivity to drug, cariogenic shock, second degree AV blocks, complete heart block and first degree AV block with PRI of 0.24 seconds or greater

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Use cautiously in CHF patients, patients using calcium channel blocker or beta-blocker medications (labetalol can increase pulmonary edema), use cautiously with strokes

Question 7

Adverse effects

Answer 7

Bradycardia, heart block, systole, hypotension, bronchoconstriction, heart failure exacerbation, vomitting and hypoglycemia

Question 8

Incompatabilites/ drug interactions

Answer 8

Insulin may cause hypoglycemia, calcium channel blockers may trigger dysrhythmias or an increase BP, TCA may cause an increase in tremors, block effects of adrenergic medications such as Albuterol, Cimetidine may potentiate the effects of labetalol

Question 9

Routes of admin

Answer 9

Slow IV/IO puch over 2-3 min