Key result
Labetalol dose-dependently lowers BP, significantly reducing diastolic pressure in ~90% of patients.
Why the study?
The hypotensive efficacy and safety profile of labetalol in essential hypertension required evaluation in a dose-ranging study.
Does labetalol reduce blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension?
Does labetalol reduce blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension?
Labetalol is effective at lowering blood pressure in essential hypertension but has a high incidence of side effects, making it a second-line agent for uncomplicated cases.
May support labetalol dose titration in essential hypertension; leaves open need for randomized confirmation.
The hypotensive efficacy of labetalol was evaluated in 29 patients with essential hypertension in a single-blind dose ranging study. After a two-week period of placebo treatment, labetalol was given in oral doses of 0.6 g/d, 0.8 g/d, and 0.8 g/d combined with 25-50 mg/d of hydrochlorothiazide. Each regimen lasted four weeks. The decrease in blood pressure was dose dependent: 90% of patients showed a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure and 75% showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. In 69% of the patients, side effects of the drug were noted, and in five patients (17%), treatment was discontinued because of the side effects. Seven patients received labetalol intravenously before the oral treatment. Their heart rate and blood pressure reductions were similar to those found in patients only taking the medication orally. We conclude that labetalol is an efficient and safe antihypertensive agent in both oral and intravenous administration. However, the high incidence of side effects makes labetalol a drug of second choice in uncomplicated hypertensive patients.
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Dux et al. (1986) studied Essential hypertension (n=29). Labetalol vs. Placebo (run-in) was evaluated on Significant reduction in diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Labetalol produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure, with 90% of patients showing a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure and 75% in systolic blood pressure.
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