Labetalol (Labetalol)
Overview of Labetalol
Labetalol Hcl is oral and parenteral competitive cocdirselective ß -adrenergic and selective postsynaptic a-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. Due to the presence of two optical centers, there are four diastereoisomers of labetolol, each of which displays different relative activities. The drug mixture possesses three to seven times greater ß -blocking activity than a-1 -blocking activity. Labetalol is clinically used in the treatment of hypertension associated with a variety of conditions. Labetalol was approved by the FDA for use in August 1984. Labetalol Hcl is a reversible ß blocker with concurrent a1 blocking actions that produces peripheral vasodialation.lt blocks ß1-receptors in the heart, ß 2-receptors in bronchial and vascular smooth muscle, and a 1receptors in vascular smooth muscle. The ß-blocking activity is three to seven times as potent as the a-blocking ability.The result of labetalols actions at a- and ß-receptors leads to vasodilation and decreased total peripheral resistance, which results in decreased blood pressure without a substantial decrease in resting heart rate, cardiac output, or stroke volume
Indication of Labetalol
Labetalol is primarily indicated in conditions like Angina, Constipation and bowel evacuation, Drying secretions, Hypertension, Hypertension following myocardial infarction, Hypertensive emergencies, Hypotension induction with anesthesia, Intra-operative bradycardia, Phaeochromocytoma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Tetanus.
Contraindication of Labetalol
Labetalol is contraindicated in conditions like Heart failure,Bronchospasm,Bradycardia,Low cardiac output,Hypersensitivity,Severe hemorrhage.
Side Effects of Labetalol
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Labetalol, which give rise to further complications include Bronchospasm, Bronchospasm, Hepatic necrosis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Myopathy, Urinary retention, Headache, Dizziness, Heart failure, Fatigue, Postural hypotension, Urinary retention, Licheniform skin rashes.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Labetalol include Bradycardia, Jaundice, Jaundice, Cardiogenic shock, Hepatitis.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Labetalol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Nasal stiffiness, Weight gain, Nightmares, Chest pain, Shortening of breath, Ejaculatory failure, Increased intracranial pressure, Scalp tingling.
Precautions of Labetalol
Labetolol should be used with caution in diabetic patients, hyperthyroidism, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, major depression and patients with kidney or liver diseases. Labetalol should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid alcohol. Blood pressure should be checked regularly in order to determine patient's response to drug.