[Therapy of hypertensive crises with a mono-substance with alpha- and beta-blocking properties (labetalol)].

For treatment of hypertensive emergencies 36 patients received an intravenous bolus of 100 mg labetalol. The mean blood pressure of the whole group was decreased from 220/128 mm Hg to 167/107 mm Hg. Mean heart rate dropped from 85 to 76 per minute. 7 patients did not respond to treatment. Thereafter 4 patients received a second dose of 100 mg or 500 mg labetalol respectively, whereupon 2 showed a distinct drop in blood pressure. Simple handling and intensive efficacy and the lack of troublesome side effects recommend labetalol for the treatment of hypertensive emergencies.