Labetalol

💊 What is Labetalol used for?

• •The label says labetalol is used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure). It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines, especially thiazide and loop diuretics (water pills).

How it works

The label describes labetalol as a medicine that blocks both alpha-1 and beta receptors in the body. It is classed as an adrenergic receptor blocking agent, meaning it works by blocking certain signals that affect the heart and blood vessels.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says the dose must be individualized, so the prescriber decides the amount and schedule for each person. It is taken by mouth as a tablet, and the label describes it as usually taken twice daily. The full blood pressure effect is usually seen within the first 1 to 3 hours after a dose. The label notes that if side effects such as nausea or dizziness occur, the same total daily dose may be divided into three times a day, which may be easier to tolerate. Dosing should not be interrupted or stopped without a physician's advice.

Comes as

• •300 mg round, blue, film-coated tablets (plain on one side, marked "I/130" on the other)

⚠️ Labetalol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Labetalol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have bronchial asthma
• 🚨You have overt (obvious) cardiac failure
• 🚨You have greater-than-first-degree heart block
• 🚨You have cardiogenic shock
• 🚨You have severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
• 🚨You have other conditions linked to severe and prolonged low blood pressure
• 🚨You have had an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to any ingredient in the product

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber about any history of liver problems. The label says liver tests may be checked periodically.
• •Tell your prescriber about any history of heart failure or heart problems.
• •Tell your prescriber about asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disease.
• •Tell your prescriber about any history of severe allergic reactions.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have been told you have pheochromocytoma.
• •Tell your prescriber and any anesthesiologist that you take labetalol before any surgery or anesthesia. The label notes the combination with halothane anesthesia can increase low blood pressure.
• •Do not stop labetalol without a physician's advice. The label says that stopping suddenly can worsen angina, and that a gradual reduction over 1 to 2 weeks is advised when discontinuing it in patients with ischemic heart disease.

🔀 Labetalol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Tricyclic antidepressants: the label reports tremor happened more often when labetalol was taken with these medicines. The label says a drug interaction cannot be ruled out.
• •Bronchodilators (beta-agonists) used for asthma: labetalol can reduce their effect, so higher amounts of these medicines may be needed.
• •Cimetidine: the label says it can increase how much labetalol is absorbed, so careful dose setting is needed.
• •Halothane anesthesia: the label says the combination can increase low blood pressure and reduce heart output. The anesthesiologist should be told you take labetalol.
• •Nitroglycerin: labetalol may add to blood pressure lowering, although it does not stop nitroglycerin's blood pressure effect.
• •Calcium antagonists of the verapamil type: the label says care should be taken when used together.
• •Digitalis glycosides (digoxin-type heart medicines): both can slow heart rate, which can increase the risk of bradycardia.
• •Diuretics and other antihypertensive drugs: the label says an additive blood pressure effect can be expected.
• •Epinephrine: people with severe allergic reactions may not respond to usual epinephrine doses while taking beta-blockers.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Labetalol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label lists this medicine as Pregnancy Category C. It states there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and says labetalol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression have been reported in infants whose mothers took labetalol during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

The label says small amounts of labetalol pass into human milk (about 0.004% of the maternal dose). It advises caution when labetalol is given to a nursing woman.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). It also says to keep them in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure, as required.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label does not say.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Labetalol

• How often will my liver be tested while I take labetalol?
• What symptoms should make me call you right away?
• Does my heart condition or breathing problem affect whether labetalol is right for me?
• Which of my current medicines could interact with labetalol?
• If I ever need to stop labetalol, how should it be reduced?
• What should I tell an anesthesiologist or surgeon before a procedure?
• What should I do if I become pregnant or plan to breastfeed?

❓ Labetalol: frequently asked questions