In acute aortic dissection, it is important to control blood pressure. Esmolol is one drug that can be given intravenously to rapidly control blood pressure. Labetalol is another similar drug that is sometimes used. Esmolol and Labetalol both work by reducing the rate at which the heart contracts and the force of that contraction, thus reducing blood pressure. Labetalol also acts on receptors throughout the body to reduce blood pressure.