Abstract
Background: Labetalol is commonly used for control of hypertension in pregnancy. A component of the workup for new-onset hypertension in pregnancy often includes a urine drug screen. A labetalol metabolite is structurally similar to amphetamine and methamphetamine, thus causing potential cross-reactivity in drug immunoassays. Cases: We present one case of cocaine-induced hypertensive crisis superimposed on chronic hypertension and two cases of severe preeclampsia for which patients required escalating doses of labetalol for hypertension, with subsequent false-positive amphetamine urine drug screen results. Conclusion: In pregnant women requiring labetalol for treatment of hypertensive disease, a urine drug screen may be falsely positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines. Providers should be cognizant of this possibility when interpreting the results of urine drug screens.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 503-506 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Obstetrics and gynecology |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 2 PART 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology