Indication
Hypertensive emergency (esp neurologic), postoperative HTN.
Preparation
25 mg in 240 mL D5W or NS.
Dilution
0.1 mg/mL
Rate
Start 5 mg/h; ↑by 2.5 mg/h q5–15 min; max 15 mg/h. Reduce to 3 mg/h once BP controlled.
Monitoring
- • Continuous arterial BP
- • HR
- • Infusion-site q12h (rotate)
Common errors
- • Peripheral phlebitis — rotate site or use central line
- • Reflex tachycardia — avoid in coronary ischaemia
Pearls
- • Preferred in SAH/ICH (predictable BP)
- • Onset 5–15 min, offset 30–40 min
