Labetalol Oral: Dosing and Precautions

Therapeutic action

Non cardioselective beta-blocker.

Indications

Hypertension in pregnancy.

Forms and strengths

• 100 mg and 200 mg tablets.

Dose

• 100 mg 2 times daily.
• Increase if necessary in 100 to 200 mg increments until an effective dose is reached, usually 400 to 800 mg daily, maximum 2400 mg daily.
• If higher doses are required, give in 3 divided doses.

Duration

According to clinical response. Do not stop treatment abruptly; decrease doses gradually.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with asthma, chronic obstructive bronchopneumonia, heart failure, severe hypotension, bradycardia under 50/minute, atrio-ventricular heart blocks, Raynaud's syndrome, or hepatic impairment.
• May cause bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, bronchospasm, hypoglycaemia, gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, headache, weakness, and urinary retention.
• Administer with caution to patients with diabetes because of the risk of hypoglycaemia.
• Reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment.
• In the event of anaphylactic shock, there is a risk of resistance to epinephrine.
• Avoid or monitor combination with mefloquine, digoxin, amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other antihypertensive drugs.
• Do not administer simultaneously with antacids; administer 2 hours apart.
• Monitor the neonate for hypoglycaemia, bradycardia, and respiratory distress during the first 24 to 72 hours after birth.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.