Intravenous labetalol and intravenous diazoxide in severe hypertension complicating pregnancy.

The results of a prospective trial to evaluate the use of diazoxide and labetalol given intravenously in the management of severe hypertensive disease in pregnancy are presented. Both drugs had an efficient hypotensive action. The reduction in blood pressure in the labetalol group was better controlled and this may be a factor influencing perinatal outcome. Because of the freedom of maternal and fetal side-effects, labetalol given by intravenous infusion is a more appropriate drug for use in the management of hypertensive crises occurring in pregnancy and labour.