Overview
Drug Name\tLABETALOL HYDROCHLORIDE
Active Ingredient(s)\t? LABETALOL HYDROCHLORIDE
Form(s) and
Strength(s) Available\t? INJECTABLE;INJECTION: 5MG/ML
? TABLET;ORAL: 100MG ; 200MG ; 300MG
Uses
Labetalol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
This medication is both an alpha blocker and beta blocker. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
How to use labetalol
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).
Side Effects
Dizziness and tiredness may occur. Scalp tingling may also occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Decreased sexual ability has been reported rarely. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, blue fingers/toes, trouble breathing, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, severe tiredness, shortness of breath, unexplained/sudden weight gain), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, mood swings, depression).
This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking labetalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), severe heart failure, breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: treated stable heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).
If you have diabetes, this product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product may also make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your diabetes medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including dizziness and lightheadedness.
Labetalol has been used to treat high blood pressure in pregnant women. It is important to control high blood pressure for the health of the mother and unborn baby. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. Rarely, babies born to mothers who took labetalol during pregnancy may have symptoms of low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, and low blood sugar (such as shaking, unusual sweating) for a few days after delivery. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk, and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feedin