Combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blockade with labetalol in hypertension

The antihypertensive effect of labetalol, a new alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor inhibiting agent, was studied in 20 patients in a double-blind crossover trial. A dose of 300 mg daily reduced blood pressure only moderately in the supine position, though in the sitting and standing positions the effect was more pronounced. A dose of 600 mg daily produced statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure in all positions studied. The effect on heart rate was small and of significance only in reducing the heart rate increment due to a change in posture. Side effects were mild: only one patient complained of postural dizziness with the higher dose. We conclude that labetalol is useful in the treatment of mild and moderately severe hypertension.