Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Yangon Children's Hospital

Labetalol

Dosing

Labetalol 0.2 mg/kg IV, over 2 mins

If no response in 5-10mins:

  • Increase to 0.2-1.0 mg/kg (max: 20mg bolus dose), OR

  • Increase to 0.4-1 mg/kg/hour, continuous IV infusion (max: 3mg/kg/hr)

Additional Information

Onset: 5 mins

Duration: 0.3-23 hours

Advantages:

  • Favorable cardiac effects

  • Favorable CNS effects

  • Use in patients with raised ICP

Caveats:

  • Contraindicated in acute heart failure

  • Adverse effects:

    • Reactive airway disease
    • Heart failure/block
    • Paradoxical hypertension
    • Postural hypotension
    • Hepatitis
    • Muscle weakness
    • Urinary retention
    • Scalp tingling
    • Burning in throat