Final answer:
Labetalol is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions that functions as an alpha antagonist and beta antagonist, blocking both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks about the pharmacological classification of Labetalol. Specifically, the options given relate to whether Labetalol is an agonist or antagonist of alpha and beta adrenergic receptors and its comparative potency to other medications. Labetalol is a medication that is classified as an alpha antagonist and a beta antagonist, meaning it blocks both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. This dual action makes it useful for treating conditions such as hypertension as it can decrease heart rate (through beta-blockage) and cause vasodilation (through alpha-blockage). It is commonly used in the management of high blood pressure and certain types of heart disease.
Given this information, the correct answer to the student's question is C. Alpha antagonist & beta antagonist. It is not a more potent alpha blocker than phenoxybenzamine, and its primary effect is not greater on alpha than beta receptors.