Intravenous labetalol in the emergency treatment of hypertension.

Labetalol is a unique alpha- and beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking agent that has recently been approved for the treatment of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies. This agent lowers peripheral vascular resistance by vasodilatation with little or no effect on cardiac output. The method of administration of labetalol will be determined by the particular hypertensive emergency. Rapid reduction in blood pressure within 5 minutes follows the administration of a bolus injection of 1.0-2.0 mg/kg, whereas smaller minibolus injections of labetalol are associated with a more gradual reduction in blood pressure. Labetalol may also be administered by continuous incremental infusion for smooth control of blood pressure. The convenience and safety of labetalol makes this agent a valuable addition to our therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of hypertensive urgencies or emergencies.