16. Blood pressure control is very important to prevent complications

FOR DOCTORS ONLY!

Before treatment, the goal is <185/<110mm Hg. Labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne) 10–20mg IV or a nicardipine (Cardene) drip (start at 5 mg/h and titrate up to a maximum of 15 mg/h) may be given to lower the blood pressure.

If you are unable to keep the BP in the specified range withlabetalol<40mg or nicardipine<15 mg/h, the risk of hemorrhage is too high and the patient should not receive TPA.