Labetalol is primarily a beta blocker; which condition is a contraindication to its use?

Labetalol is primarily a beta blocker; which condition is a contraindication to its use?

• A. Asthma
• B. Diabetes Mellitus
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Chronic Kidney Disease

Answer: (A)

Nonselective beta-blockade can provoke bronchospasm in individuals with asthma because blocking beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle prevents bronchodilation. Labetalol blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors (as well as alpha-1), so in someone with asthma the beta-2 blockade can lead to bronchoconstriction and worsening airway symptoms. This makes asthma a contraindication for using labetalol. The other conditions aren’t absolute contraindications. Diabetes may require caution because beta-blockers can mask hypoglycemia symptoms but aren’t universally forbidden. Hyperthyroidism may actually benefit from beta-blockade to control symptoms like tachycardia. Chronic kidney disease affects dosing and monitoring but doesn’t by itself prohibit use.

Nonselective beta-blockade can provoke bronchospasm in individuals with asthma because blocking beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle prevents bronchodilation. Labetalol blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors (as well as alpha-1), so in someone with asthma the beta-2 blockade can lead to bronchoconstriction and worsening airway symptoms. This makes asthma a contraindication for using labetalol.

The other conditions aren’t absolute contraindications. Diabetes may require caution because beta-blockers can mask hypoglycemia symptoms but aren’t universally forbidden. Hyperthyroidism may actually benefit from beta-blockade to control symptoms like tachycardia. Chronic kidney disease affects dosing and monitoring but doesn’t by itself prohibit use.