Labetalol

Labetalol

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Trandate
Therapeutic class	Antihypertensive
Pharmacologic class	Combined alpha-1 and nonselective beta blocker
Onset / peak / duration	PO onset within 2 hours; IV onset 2 to 5 minutes; duration variable.
Half-life / level	Half-life about 5 to 8 hours; no routine level.
Routes	PO (oral), IV
High-alert (ISMP)	IV form warrants extra caution
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Atropine, glucagon, supportive care.
Pregnancy / lactation	Commonly used for hypertension in pregnancy.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Labetalol (brand name Trandate) — Antihypertensive; Combined alpha-1 and nonselective beta blocker.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive.
• Pharmacologic class: Combined alpha-1 and nonselective beta blocker.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Blocks alpha-1 and beta receptors, lowering blood pressure rapidly; favored in hypertensive emergencies and pregnancy.
• Onset / peak / duration: PO onset within 2 hours; IV onset 2 to 5 minutes; duration variable.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life about 5 to 8 hours; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Hypertension, hypertensive emergency, hypertension in pregnancy.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: 100 to 400 mg PO twice daily; IV bolus or infusion for emergencies.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: PO up to about 2,400 mg/day; titrate IV to blood pressure with continuous monitoring.

Safety

• Contraindications: Asthma, severe bradycardia, heart block, decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Calcium channel blockers, other antihypertensives, halothane.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Commonly used for hypertension in pregnancy.
• High-alert: IV form warrants extra caution.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Dizziness, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, scalp tingling.
• Serious effects to report: Severe hypotension, bradycardia, bronchospasm, hepatotoxicity.
• Antidote / reversal: Atropine, glucagon, supportive care.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Blood pressure (supine and standing for IV), heart rate, respiratory history.
• Interventions during therapy: Keep patient supine during and after IV doses; continuous monitoring for emergencies.
• Monitor: Blood pressure, heart rate, LFTs with long-term use.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Controlled blood pressure without excessive drop.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
• Notify provider if: Fainting, wheezing, yellowing of skin or eyes.
• Administration tips: PO with consistent timing; IV requires monitored setting.