Even though Labetalol and Nifedipine were found to be equally effective in Preeclampsia, however, Labetalol outshined Nifedipine in terms of better tolerability and side effects profile in a recent study. 

This prospective interventional study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research aimed to distinguish between Labetalol and Nifedipine administration concerning the side effects, obstetric complications and mode of administration.

A total of 200 pregnant Indian women with high blood pressure or hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation were considered. They were grouped as: 

• Group A - 100 Women administered Labetalol with the majority of cases needing a 200 mg dose, followed by a 300 mg dose 
• Group B - 100 Women administered Nifedipine with the majority of cases needing a 30 mg dose, followed by 20 mg and 40 mg dose

Their age, associated-side effects, pregnancy complications and mode of delivery (vaginal or caesarean) were compared. The details of study outcomes have been differentiated in the following table 1:

The outcomes between Group A and Group B did not vary significantly and were found to be equally effective, concluded the study researchers.