Labetalol: an alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug

Labetalol, a new beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug with ancillary alpha-adrenoceptor blocking and vasodilating activity, will soon be available in the United States for the treatment of hypertension. Labetalol is effective in the acute management of hypertensive emergencies, as well as the long-term treatment of mild and moderate hypertension. In combination with a diuretic agent, labetalol is also effective in controlling moderate and severe hypertension. Efficacy for other indications is under investigation. Labetalol is generally well tolerated. Side effects typical of beta-blockers are less prominent with labetalol in the usual antihypertensive doses of 100 mg to 1200 mg twice daily. However, occasional mild vasodilating, alpha-blocking, and other nonspecific effects are best managed with careful dose titration.