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Labetalol in essential hypertension.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Labetalol effectively treats essential hypertension with rapid blood pressure reduction and no observed tolerance. However, high doses can cause hypotension, and once-daily dosing may be limited by postural effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a widespread condition requiring effective treatment.
- Labetalol is an anti-hypertensive drug with documented efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of labetalol in managing essential hypertension.
- To assess the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of labetalol for optimal dosing strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of open and controlled studies comparing labetalol with placebo and other anti-hypertensive agents.
- Analysis of adverse effects, including hypotension, epigastric discomfort, and scalp tingling.
- Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation to determine appropriate dosing frequencies.
Main Results:
- Labetalol demonstrates significant efficacy in lowering blood pressure, with no evidence of tolerance.
- Adverse effects such as hypotension are dose-dependent and more common with large doses or intravenous administration.
- While once-daily dosing is possible, postural hypotension after large doses may necessitate twice-daily administration.
Conclusions:
- Labetalol is an effective treatment for essential hypertension.
- Twice-daily administration of labetalol appears to be an acceptable compromise to balance efficacy and minimize adverse effects like postural hypotension.