Labetalol in normotensive patients with angina pectoris

Labetalol, an alpha-beta-blocker, has been shown to have vasodilating as well as beta-blocking properties. From the theoretical point of view such a drug is likely to be beneficial in the treatment of angina pectoris. There are very few studies investigating the effects of labetalol in normotensive patients with angina pectoris. The three major controlled trials that have been published show that labetalol reduces angina frequency and prolongs exercise duration. In one study the effects of labetalol in anginal subjects using ambulatory monitoring was performed and showed a reduction in silent ischemia as well as a reduction in angina pectoris. Thus labetalol would appear to be an effective antianginal agent. Further studies are necessary to determine if the anti-anginal effect is entirely due to the beta-receptor-blocking activity of the drug or whether labetalol's vasodilating property has important additional benefit.