Labetalol hypertension study

Executive Summary

Report compiled by medical economist Gerry Oster of Brookline, Mass.-based Policy Analysis Inc. concludes that the alpha-beta blocker is more cost-effective than the beta blocker propanolol in treating black adults with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Oster maintains that for every 1,000 patients on monotherapy, those taking labetalol would have two to seven fewer strokes over a 10-year period, depending on age and sex, with a $190-$212 reduction in the yearly cost of treatment compared to propranolol. Oster reported the findings at a March 22 science writers seminar in New York City. Labetolol is marketed in the U.S. by Glaxo under the Trandate brand and by Schering as Normodyne.