Uses
What is labetalol used for?
Labetalol is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Labetalol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does labetalol work (mechanism of action)?
Labetalol blocks beta-1 receptors in your heart and alpha-1 receptors in your blood vessels. These receptors normally bind to hormones called catecholamines. When catecholamines bind to these receptors, it causes your heart to beat harder and faster and your blood vessels to tighten. Blocking these receptors helps your heart beat more slowly and your blood vessels relax. These effects can help lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is labetalol supplied (dosage forms)?
Labetalol is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 100 mg oral tablets
- 200 mg oral tablets
- 300 mg oral tablets
Labetalol is also available in injectable forms.
How should I store labetalol?
Labetalol tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of labetalol?
The most common side effects of labetalol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Low blood pressure (see below)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
There may be other side effects of labetalol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of labetalol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of labetalol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Heart Rate Changes. Labetalol can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or easily tired
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Labetalol may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
New or Worsening Heart Failure. Labetalol may worsen existing heart failure or cause fluid buildup in your body. For individuals with underlying heart disease or heart damage, labetalol can potentially lead to heart failure over time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Breathing Problems. Labetalol may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using carvedilol and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking labetalol. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Allergic Reactions. Labetalol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using labetalol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use labetalol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use labetalol.
- Normodyne
- Trandate
- Labetalol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific labetalol products they stock.
Asthma. Labetalol should not be used by those with asthma or similar breathing problems.
Bradycardia. Labetalol should not be used if your heart is beating too slow (bradycardia).
Heart Block. Labetalol should not be used if the electrical signals in your heart move too slow (heart block).
Severe or Worsening Heart Failure. Labetalol should not be used if your heart failure is severe or getting worse, causing you to feel very tired, have trouble breathing, or swelling in your legs.
Cardiogenic Shock. Labetalol should not be used if you have a life-threatening condition called cardiogenic shock where your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
Drug Interactions. Labetalol should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking labetalol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about labetalol before using it?
Do not take labetalol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share labetalol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep labetalol out of the reach of children.
Labetalol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how labetalol affects you.
Stopping labetalol suddenly may lead to chest pain or heart attack in people with heart disease. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using labetalol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if labetalol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart or circulation problems
- Breathing problems
- Liver problems
- Pheochromocytoma
Diabetes. Labetalol can decrease early signs of low blood sugar, such as fast heartbeat, and make it more likely for the low blood sugar to be serious, especially for people with diabetes.
Cataract Surgery. Labetalol may cause a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery, which can make the surgery more difficult. Tell your eye doctor about all the medications you take, including labetalol, before your cataract surgery.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how labetolol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Labetalol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does labetalol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between labetalol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect labetalol. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking labetalol.
Does labetalol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking labetalol.
- Diltiazem and verapamil, which are medicines used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
- Beta-receptors agonists (e.g., albuterol, formoterol), which are used to treat asthma and other breathing problems
- Nitroglycerin, which is a medicine used to treat chest pain and lower blood pressure
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline
- Any medicine for irregular heart rate or rhythm
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for diabetes
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much labetalol?
If you or someone else has used too much labetalol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of labetalol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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