Labetalol in acute cocaine toxicity: is it safe?

3 out of 5 stars Acute Toxicity from Topical Cocaine for Epistaxis: Treatment with Labetalol. Richards JR et al. J Emerg Med 2017 Mar;52:311-313. Abstract There has long been a debate among toxicologists — still unresolved — as to whether it is safe to use a beta-blocker to treat cocaine-related hypertension and tachycardia. The (theoretical) concern is that since cocaine is both an α- and a β-agonist, blocking the β-receptors could lead to unopposed α stimulation with increased severe hypertension. Some authors contend that in this setting, labetalol would be safe since it blocks both α and β receptors.  Others argue that since labetalol has β blocking that is 7 times as potent as its α effect, the potential problem of increased blood pressure would remain. For some papers discussing this issue, see “Related Posts” below. This case report describes a 56-year-old man who received 4 ml of 4% cocaine solution (160 mg) applied to the nasal mucosa to treat epistaxis. Within 10 minutes after the cocaine was applied, the patient described a “sense of light-headedness and impending doom.” Evaluation revealed hypertension (155/108 mm Hg) and tachycardia (96/min, increased from 76/min.) He was treated with IV labetalol (10 mg,) with immediate resolution of his symptoms and autonomic instability. The clinicians treated his nasal bleeding with topical nitrate and an epistaxis device without further event. The authors conclude that: Labetalol repre...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Medical beta blocker cocaine epistaxis labetalol safety toxicity Source Type: news