Question

Search for Labetalol information: Generic Name, Brand Name, Type of drug, Pregnancy Category, Therapeutic action, . Indications, Contraindications,. Dose / Adult and Pediatric, Adverse effects, Interactions, Nursing considerations in implementation and Patient Education

Answer 1

Labetalol

It is an Antihypertensive drug used to treat high blood pressure It is an alpha/ beta adrenergic antagonist.

Generic name : Labetalol ( oral / injection)

Brand name : Trandate , Normodyne

Type of drug : Beta blockers

Pregnancy category: C ( Labetalol can be used with caution in pregnant women, if the benefits outweigh the risks . Low doses are recommended in pregnancy)

Therapeutic action :

Labetalol is a combined alpha - beta adreno receptor blocking agent , that usually binds to alpha - 1 - adrenergic receptors found in smooth muscles. Thus inhibiting the adrenergic stimulation of endothelial cells ( blood vessel, or heart interior lining) , and vasoconstriction of blood vessels. These actios can results in relaxation of blood vessels, slowing of heart rate leads to reduction in Blood pressure.  

Indications

* Arterial hypertension

* Hypertensive crisis

* Chronic hypertension

Contraindications

* Cardioogenic shock

* bronchial asthma

* Sinus bradycardia

* Congestive heart failure ( not due to tachyarrhythmia)

Dose :

Adult - 100 mg PO q 12 hr (inital dosage )

Usual dose : 200 to 400 mg PO q12 hour.

Paediatric- 5 mg /ml ( injection), 100 to 300mg in tablet form.

( 1to 3 mg / kg / hr by continous IV infusion in hypertensive emergency)

Adverse effects:

* Nausea

* Dizziness and lightheadedness

* fatigue

* Tingling sensation of scalp

* Orthostatic hypotension

* swelling of face or fingers

* cold sweats or chills

Interactions:

* Drug interactions can occur with Amoxicillin, naproxen, aspirin, benadryl, rosuvastatin, carvedilol etc and can produce serious side effects

*It can interact with alcohol and caffeine containing beverages. Caffeine may reduce the absorption of labetalol.

Nursing considerations

* Monitor Blood pressure and pulse in frequent intervals

* Check the blood sugar level in Diabetic patient to reveal any Hypoglycemia as the drug may cover the cardiovascular symptoms of hypoglycemia.

* Instruct the patient, not to change to positions too fast to prevent Orthostatic hypotension. After waking up sit on the bed for few minutes and then get up.

* Avoid alcohol consumption during drug treatment with albetalol

* Avoid caffeine containing beverages .

* Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities.