January 31, 2025

Welcome back to UH EMS-I’s Pharmacy Phriday. As we continue our review of changes within the UH EMS 2025 protocols, this week we focus on labetalol. 

Labetalol is a beta blocker medication that reduces a patient’s blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance without reflex tachycardia or a significant reduction in the heart rate. It is used within the UH protocols for cases involving dangerously elevated blood pressures that are symptomatic. Those specific cases include eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, post-partum hypertension, and strokes with hypertension. 

In the 2025 version of the UH protocols, labetalol was added as a consideration in the “Stroke/CVA” algorithm. It remains “red boxed,” requiring medical direction approval for many reasons, one being that it would not be routinely given, but given only for extreme cases of hypertension.  

In cases of stroke, blood pressure (BP) management in the pre-hospital setting (where imaging is unavailable) is rarely used. Hypertension, common in stroke patients, is often a compensatory mechanism of the body to maintain perfusion to the brain. Rarely is there an immediate risk due to the elevated BP, and lowering the pressures can cause further injury. Simply put, lower is not always better. 

Only when the BP is extremely high or when there are signs of end organ damage to the cardiac, CNS, or renal systems does BP require treatment, and then only after consultation with medical direction. Parameters for labetalol’s use include a systolic pressure of >220 and a diastolic pressure of >120, verified by taking readings in both arms, with one taken manually. Dosing for labetalol in stroke cases is initially 10 mg via IV, given over 2 minutes. The patient can then be reassessed in 10-15 minutes and if still indicated, the dose can be increased to 20 mg IV over 2 minutes. Once again, administer only with online medical control approval. 

Treatment of hypertensive emergencies other than supportive care (i.e. oxygenation), positioning (i.e., elevating the patient’s head during transport), and transport are rarely indicated (except for OB emergencies which we will look at shortly). These cases are considered on a case-by-case basis along with medical direction. Again, lower is not always better. 

The other uses of labetalol within the UH protocols include the control of acute hypertension in pregnancy and post-partum hypertension. Hypertension during pregnancy is increasingly common and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity, and is one of the more common indications where treatment of hypertension may be addressed. Severe hypertension requires prompt treatment with rapid-acting antihypertensive agents such as labetalol to avoid stroke and placental abruption.  

UH protocol includes the administration of labetalol in cases of eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, or post-partum hypertension only with online medical control approval. Once again, BP should be checked in both arms, with one taken manually. Hypertension is defined in this algorithm as a systolic pressure greater than 160 and/or a diastolic pressure of 110, with symptoms. The initial dose is 20 mg administered as a slow IV push over 2 minutes to prevent a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure. The medication can be repeated in five minutes if no improvement is noted and the BP remains above the threshold cited in the protocol. The second dose is 40 mg, again as a slow IV.  

As with other beta blockers, the medic should monitor the patient continuously during and following administration for serious side effects that could include hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness, or arrhythmias. Due to the alpha component of labetalol causing vasodilation, the provider should also be alert for orthostatic hypotension and have the patient remain supine.  

Due to its inotropic effects, labetalol is contraindicated in patients with known congestive heart failure (CHF). Other contraindications include bradycardia, heart blocks, cardiogenic shock, and other sinus arrhythmias. It should also be used with caution in asthmatics, the elderly, and those with liver disease.  

Remember that there are two beta blockers in the UH drug boxes. Both require medical direction approval for use. It’s all about safety. Be sure you have the correct medication before administration! The provider must be extremely cautious and prevent any mix-up between these medications. They are different in how they work, their indications, and their dosing. 

Finally, we invite you to check out this past month’s Pre-Hospital Paradigm Podcast. EMS pharmacy issues are the topic of discussion in these episodes. The panel dives deep into medication safety in the EMS system. They explore the challenges of managing medications in the field, how to prevent errors, and the best practices for ensuring patient safety. Special guest Derek Frost, a system EMS pharmacist, shares insights on how medication errors occur and what processes are in place to mitigate them. In the fourth live “on the road” episode, there is an excellent discussion among the panel that covers the uses of labetalol as mentioned above.

Sincerely, 

The UH EMS-I Team 

University Hospitals 

May 10, 2024

Welcome back to UH EMS-I’s Pharmacy Phriday. As we continue our focus related to National Stroke Awareness Month, we next look at the use of Labetalol within the “Stroke/CVA” algorithm.  

Labetalol is a beta blocker medication that reduces a patient’s blood pressure (BP) by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and is used within the UH protocols for cases involving dangerously elevated BPs that are symptomatic. Specific cases include eclampsia, preeclampsia, postpartum hypertension, and strokes with hypertension. 

Labetalol is one of just a few medications in the UH protocol that requires medical direction approval before it is used. In the case of strokes, BP management in the pre-hospital setting remains controversial. Hypertension is a common finding in stroke patients, as it is often a compensatory mechanism of the body. Only when the BP is extremely high and signs of end organ damage show—such as altered mental status, chest pain, congestive heart failure (CHF), etc.—does the BP require treatment, and then only after consultation with medical direction. Treatment of hypertensive emergencies other than supportive care (i.e. oxygenation), positioning (i.e. elevating the patient’s head during transport), and transport are rarely indicated (except for OB emergencies as we will look at shortly).   

Let’s look at a case taken from the 2023 files. What are your thoughts? 

Crews were called for an 81-year-old female with the chief complaint of sudden confusion and a change in mental status. Upon arrival, the patient was sitting in a chair. The patient’s daughter explained that her mother had recently been seen at the Emergency Department (ED) for shingles and, while there, experienced an episode of HBP (high blood pressure). The patient had a history of hypertension and was taking medications to control the same. 

The patient’s BP was initially 280/165 in the right arm. Crews completed the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) and noted no negative findings, however the patient was very confused. A 12-lead ECG revealed a Normal Sinus Rhythm. A 20 gauge IV was established. The BP was repeated on the other arm with little significant difference. Do you call medical direction for an order for Labetalol? 

Due to the extremely elevated blood pressure and sudden onset of confusion, the crew chose to call medical direction for consultation. After speaking with Medical Control, directions shared were for an order of 10 mg Labetalol to be given as a slow IV push over 2 minutes. The Labetalol was administered as ordered and before arriving at the ED, the patient’s BP had lowered significantly and a notable improvement in the level of consciousness was noted. If no improvement had been noticed within ten minutes, the paramedics would have been correct in calling for a second dose of 20 mg IV. 

The other use of Labetalol within the UH protocols includes the control of acute hypertension in pregnancy and hypertension associated with acute ischemic stroke. The medication provides treatment in these hypertensive crises without reflex tachycardia or a significant reduction in heart rate. 

Hypertension during pregnancy is increasingly common and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. It is also one of the more common indications where treatment of hypertension may be addressed. Severe hypertension requires prompt treatment with rapid-acting antihypertensive agents such as Labetalol to avoid stroke and placental abruption. 

UH protocol includes the administration of Labetalol in cases of eclampsia, preeclampsia, or postpartum hypertension only with online medical control approval. Blood pressure should be checked in both arms, with one taken manually. Hypertension is defined in this protocol as a systolic greater than 160 and/or a diastolic of 110, with symptoms. The initial dose is 20 mg administered as a slow IV push over 2 minutes to prevent a sudden, severe drop in BP. The medication can be repeated in five minutes if no improvement is noted and the BP remains above the threshold cited in the protocol. The second dose is 40 mg, again as a slow IV. 

As with other beta blockers, the medic should monitor the patient continuously during and following administration for serious side effects that could include hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness, or arrhythmias. Due to the alpha component of Labetalol causing vasodilation, the provider should also be alert for orthostatic hypotension and have the patient remain supine. 

Due to its inotropic effects, Labetalol is contraindicated in patients with known CHF. Other contraindications include bradycardia, heart blocks, cardiogenic shock, and other sinus arrhythmias. It should be used with caution in asthmatics, the elderly, and those with liver disease. 

Remember that there are two beta blockers in the UH drug boxes. Both require medical direction approval for use. Be sure you have the correct medication before administration! The provider must be extremely cautious and prevent any mix-up between these medications as they are different in how they work, their indications, and their dosing. 

One final thought: May is National Nurses Month, and this coming week (May 12-18) is National Hospital Week. Be sure to take time to thank those nurses and other caregivers who have been a help to you and make a difference in how we provide services to our patients as a team! 

Till next time, stay safe! 

Sincerely,



The UH EMS-I Team

University Hospitals

July 23, 2023

Dear colleagues:

Welcome! In this week’s Pharmacy Phriday, we will review Labetalol, one of the beta blockers that can be found in the UH drug box.  The other beta blocker available is Metoprolol.  The provider must be extremely cautious and prevent any mix-up between these medications.  They are different in how they work, their indications, and their dosing.

The difference between how the two medications work is that Metoprolol is a “selective” beta blocker, and Labetalol is a “non- selective” beta blocker.  In the case of Metoprolol, the receptors affected are primarily cardiac sites which result in decreased cardiac output.  With Labetalol, receptor sites affected also include beta 2 receptors (do you recall beta 2 – 2 lungs?) and some alpha receptors (do you recall alpha for arteries?) that inhibit peripheral vasoconstriction and leads to peripheral vasodilation.  These properties of Labetalol make it a potent agent for lowering blood pressure in cases of hypertensive crisis.

A common use of Labetalol includes the control of acute hypertension in pregnancy and hypertension associated with acute ischemic stroke.  The medication provides treatment in these hypertensive crises without reflex tachycardia or a significant reduction in heart rate. The use of the medication within the UH protocol is primarily focused on hypertensive crisis in pregnancy. 

Treatment in the prehospital setting of hypertensive emergencies other than supportive care, positioning, and transport is rarely indicated.  The increased blood pressure can often be a compensatory mechanism of the body in other underlying illnesses or conditions.  Only when the BP is extremely high and signs of end-organ damage, such as an altered mental status, chest pain, congestive heart failure, etc., does the blood pressure require treatment. Correction of hypertension associated with a stroke is a listed indication for the use of Labetalol but only in consultation with medical direction and is rarely seen in the prehospital setting.

However, hypertension during pregnancy is increasingly common and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity and is one of the more common indications where treatment of hypertension may be addressed.  Severe hypertension requires prompt treatment with rapid-acting antihypertensive agents such as Labetalol to avoid stroke and placental abruption. 



UH protocol includes the administration of Labetalol in cases of eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, or post-partum hypertension only with online medical control approval. Blood pressures should be checked in both arms, with one taken manually. Hypertension is defined in this protocol as a systolic greater than 160 and/or a diastolic of 110, with symptoms. The initial dose is 20mg, administered as a slow IV push over 2 minutes to prevent a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.  The medication can be repeated in five minutes if no improvement is noted, and the BP remains above the threshold cited in the protocol.  The second dose is 40mg, again as a slow IV.  

As with other beta blockers, the medic should monitor the patient continuously during and following administration for serious side effects that could include hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness, or arrhythmias.  Due to the alpha component of Labetalol causing vasodilation, the provider should also be alert for orthostatic hypotension and have the patient remain supine. 

Due to its inotropic effects, Labetalol is contraindicated in patients with known CHF. Other contraindications include bradycardia, heart blocks, cardiogenic shock, and other sinus arrhythmias.  It should also be used with caution in asthmatics, the elderly, and those with liver disease. 

Remember that there are two beta blockers in the UH drug boxes.  Both require medical direction approval for use.  And be sure you have the correct medication before administration!

Look for the next installment of the UH-EMSI Pharmacy Phriday when we will review past cases of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia within the UH system and discuss the use of another medication given in those emergencies.  Do you know the medication and dosing we will be reviewing?

Till then, stay safe!!

Sincerely,



The UH EMS-I Team

University Hospitals

August 15, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

In last week’s Pharmacy Phriday, we began a review of two similar-sounding medications that can be found in the UH drug box that could potentially confuse the provider.  Those two medications were Metoprolol and Labetalol, both beta blockers.  In that installment, we reviewed Metoprolol, and this week we will review Labetalol. 

Labetalol, like Metoprolol, is a beta-blocker.  The difference between the two medications is that while Metoprolol is a “selective” beta blocker, Labetalol is a “non-selective” beta blocker.  In the case of Metoprolol, the receptors affected are primarily cardiac sites, which result in decreased cardiac output.  With Labetalol, receptor sites affected also include beta 2 receptors (do you recall beta 2 – 2 lungs?) and some alpha receptors (do you recall alpha for arteries?) that inhibit peripheral vasoconstriction and lead to peripheral vasodilation. 

Due to the mixture of its alpha and beta blocking effects, a common “off-label” use of Labetalol includes the control of acute hypertension in pregnancy and hypertension associated with acute ischemic stroke.  The medication provides treatment in these hypertensive crises without reflex tachycardia or a significant reduction in heart rate. The use of the medication within the UH protocol is primarily focused on the hypertensive crisis in pregnancy. 

Education and training in prehospital emergency care often stress that an elevated blood pressure alone is not an emergency and that treatment in the prehospital setting for hypertensive emergencies other than supportive care, positioning, and transport is rarely indicated.  The increased blood pressure can often be a compensatory mechanism of the body in other underlying illnesses or conditions. The blood pressure requires treatment only when it is extremely high, and there are signs of end-organ damage such as an altered mental status, chest pain, CHF, etc.

However, hypertension during pregnancy is increasingly common and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide and is one area where treatment of hypertension may be indicated.  Severe hypertension requires prompt treatment with rapid-acting antihypertensive agents such as Labetalol to avoid stroke and placental abruption. 

UH protocol includes the administration of Labetalol in cases of eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, or post-partum hypertension only with online medical control approval. Blood pressures should be checked in both arms, with one taken manually. Hypertension is defined in this protocol as a systolic greater than 160 and/or a diastolic of 110, with symptoms. The initial dose is 20mg administered as a slow IV push over 2 minutes to prevent a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.  The medication can be repeated in five minutes if no improvement is noted and the BP remains above the threshold cited in the protocol.  The second dose is 40mg, again as a slow IV.  

As with other beta-blockers, the medic should monitor the patient continuously during and following administration for serious side effects including hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness, or arrhythmias.  Due to the alpha component of Labetalol causing vasodilation, the provider should also be alert for orthostatic hypotension and have the patient remain supine. 

As with other beta-blockers, Labetalol has inotropic effects reducing the strength of cardiac contractions and may cause acute left ventricular failure in patients with known CHF, one of the contraindications to its use. Other contraindications include bradycardia, heart blocks, cardiogenic shock, and other sinus arrhythmias.  It should also be used cautiously in asthmatics, the elderly, and those with liver disease.  Under the pregnancy class rating, the medication is classified as class C.

Remember that there are two beta-blockers in the UH drug boxes available.  Both require medical direction approval for use.  And be sure you have the correct medication before administration!

Have a great weekend!  And stay safe!!

Sincerely,

The UH EMS-I Team

University Hospitals