The use of labetalol in producing deliberate hypotension and its effects on intracranial pressure in dogs.

The use of effective and safe hypotensive agents in neuroanesthesia is a difficult and unanswered question. Most hypotensive agents produce an increase in intracranial pressure and as a result can not be used until the dura is opened. In experiments in dogs, Labetalol, a combined alpha and beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, showed no increase in intracranial pressure and no change in intracranial compliance by producing hypotension.