Comparing Labetalol and Nifedipine for Managing Postpartum Hypertension

Labetalol or Nifedipine for Control of Postpartum Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Nebraska Methodist Health System · NCT05309460

This study is testing whether Labetalol or Nifedipine is better at managing high blood pressure after childbirth to help new moms avoid going back to the hospital.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorNebraska Methodist Health System Academic / other
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
Trial IDNCT05309460 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Labetalol and Nifedipine in managing postpartum hypertension and reducing the risk of hospital readmission and hypertensive complications. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to receive either Labetalol or Nifedipine, with treatment escalation determined by their primary provider. The study will enroll a total of 600 patients, with 300 in each treatment arm, and monitor them for signs of hypotension and medication side effects. The goal is to achieve normotension for at least 12 hours before discharge.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients admitted for delivery at 24 weeks gestation or greater who have hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to either Nifedipine or Labetalol, or those with certain cardiovascular conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for managing postpartum hypertension, potentially reducing hospital readmissions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the management of postpartum hypertension, but this specific comparison of Labetalol and Nifedipine is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Any patient admitted for delivery by cesarean or vaginal delivery at 24 weeks gestation or greater with hypertension(HTN). Hypertension will be defined during the study as either a systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart. This definition is consistent with the ACOG definition for pregnancy related HTN. Following enrollment, treatment will be escalated at discretion of primary provider with the goal of normotension.

Exclusion Criteria:

History of moderate persistent asthma, coronary artery disease, heart failure, AV heart block, pulmonary edema

* Contraindication to either Nifedipine or Labetalol
* HR \<60 or \>110
* Native language other than English or Spanish

Where this trial is running

Omaha, Nebraska

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postpartum PreeclampsiaHypertension in PregnancyNifedipineLabetalolPostpartumHypertensionPreeclampsiaPregnancy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.