section name header

Pronunciation

la-BET-a-lole

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antianginals, antihypertensives

Pharmacologic Classification: beta blockers

Indications

High Alert


Action

  • Blocks stimulation of beta1 (myocardial)- and beta2 (pulmonary, vascular, and uterine)-adrenergic receptor sites.
  • Also has alpha1-adrenergic blocking activity, which may result in more orthostatic hypotension.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decreased BP.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed but rapidly undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism, resulting in 25% bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism.

Half-Life: 3–8 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(cardiovascular effects)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO20 min–2 hr1–4 hr8–12 hr
IV2–5 min5 min16–18 hr





Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: orthostatic hypotension, ARRHYTHMIAS, BRADYCARDIA, HF

Derm: rash

EENT: blurred vision, dry eyes, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, nasal stuffiness

Endo: hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia

GI: constipation, diarrhea, nausea

GU: erectile dysfunction, libido

MS: arthralgia, back pain, muscle cramps

Neuro: fatigue, weakness, anxiety, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, memory loss, mental status changes, nightmares, paresthesia

Resp: bronchospasm, PULMONARY EDEMA, wheezing

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Canadian Brand Names

Trandate