Labetalol in resistant hypertension.

In 12 patients with resistant hypertension labetalol was added to existing therapy. The average dose was 1333 mg (range 400--3600). The subjects were followed up for three and a half years. Mean supine blood pressure (BP) was reduced from 202/123 to 163/103 mm Hg and mean standing BP from 193/127 to 144/100 mm Hg. Mean BP after exercise was 134/93 mm Hg. The main side-effect was postural hypotension during exercise, causing withdrawal of labetalol in two subjects. In patients with severe hypertension, resistant to several combinations of antihypertensive drugs, the addition of labetalol may lead to satisfactory BP reduction, especially when combined with a potent diuretic.