Labetalol ('trandate') in hypertension: a multicentre study in general practice

A study was carried out in 1286 hypertensive patients seen in general practice to evaluate the effectiveness of labetalol given for periods of up to 24 months. Initial dosage was 300 mg per day. The results showed that blood pressure was readily controlled and maintained by labetalol alone in the majority of patients. Pulse rate, vision and fundi were unchanged. There was little difference between the supine and upright blood pressures, confirming the clinical finding that postural hypotension was not a problem. The incidence of side-effects leading to withdrawal was small (7.2%), most side-effects being minor and transient. No drug interactions with concomitant therapy were apparent and the incidence of bronchospasm was very low. The incidence of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident in the population studied was lower than expected.