A comparative study of methyldopa and labetalol in the treatment of hypertension.

Abstract

1 Twenty patients with essential hypertension completed a double-blind, dose-tritrated, cross-over comparison of methyldopa and labetalol. 2 Average lying BPs (systolic/diastolic) were reduced by 28/15 mmHg with methyldopa and by 23/15 mmHg with labetalol. 3 Average standing BPs (systolic/diastolic) were reduced by 29/14 mmHg with methyldopa and by 29/15 mmHg with labetalol. 4 Both lying and standing heart rates were reduced with labetalol. 5 It is concluded that the antihypertensive properties of labetalol and methyldopa are similar but that larger patient populations are needed to study the relative incidence of subjective adverse effects.

Do labetalol and methyldopa have different effects on pregnancy outcome? Analysis of data from the Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study (CHIPS) trial

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20] Although all were of low quality and underpowered to examine substantive perinatal and maternal outcomes, the point estimates were >1 for maternal and perinatal outcomes, suggesting that methyldopa is more likely to be worse (and not better) than labetalol. Data from outside pregnancy are limited and remote in time (1975-92); two of each of three observational studies [21][22][23] and three RCTs [24][25][26] found methyldopa and labetalol to be similarly effective for lowering BP.…”

Comparison of efficacy of labetalol and methyldopa in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension

“…In present study the average dose of labetalol required to achieve optimal B.P control was much less than in above mentioned study, but for methyldopa doses were comparable. 10 Lardoux's group found that the average daily dose of labetalol required for satisfactory blood pressure control was 600 mg. 12 In the present study, 9 patients in group A (33.33%) went in spontaneous labour while 18 patients (66.67%) were induced. In group B, 23 patients (48.94%) went in spontaneous labour and 24 patient's (51.06%) were induced.…”

Labetalol, an alpha‐ and beta‐adrenoceptor‐blocking agent: its use in therapeutics. A summary of the symposium.

“…There have been reports of positive antinuclear factor (ANF) titre in patients receiving labetalol but it is doubtful if the incidence is any greater than in the untreated state (Sanders et al, 1979a). It should be noted that 3% of untreated patients have a positive antinuclear factor, whereas the incidence on methyldopa was 13% (Wilson et al, 1978).…”