What is Labetalol?
Labetalol, a beta-blocker, helps treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Labetalol oral is often given along with other blood pressure medications. Injections of labetalol are used in cases of severe hypertension.Labetalol is also employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.
Side Effects of Labetalol
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue, Labetalol can cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness that makes you feel like you've passed out;
- Low heartbeat low pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing could be stopped);
- Breath shortness (even at moderate exertion), swelling, and rapid weight gain.
- Extreme headache or blurred vision. an intense ache in your neck or in your ears and
- Problems with the liver include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain (upper right side), flu-like symptoms, itching, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
The risk of fainting or dizziness is high and may be more common in older adults.
Common adverse effects of labetalol could include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Rapid heat, skin redness, sweating;
- Numbness
- A tingling sensation on your scalp.
This isn't an exhaustive listing of all the possible adverse effects. Other side effects may be experienced. Ask your doctor for medical advice regarding the consequences. You are able to report any adverse negative effects in writing to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Only use according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medications or have any other medical conditions or allergies.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use labetalol when you have an allergy to the drug or are suffering from
- Asthma
- "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);
- Uncontrolled heart failure that isn't controlled;
- Extremely low blood pressure;
- Irregular heartbeats have led you to faint;
- If your heart isn't pumping blood effectively.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Congestive heart failure;
- Angina (chest pain);
- Liver disease;
- Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or any other breathing issues;
- Pheochromocytoma (a tumor that affects the adrenal gland);
- Diabetes;
- Coronary bypass of the artery operation (sometimes referred to as "CABG");
- Kidney disease
- Allergies.
Labetalol may affect your pupils. If you require surgery for your eyes, inform the doctor about the use of labetalol, even if you do not take it.
Labetalol could result in low blood pressure, low blood sugar, slow heartbeats, or breathing issues for a baby when the mother takes it during her pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.Check with your doctor for advice on whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking this medicine.Not permitted for use by anyone less than 18.
How to Take Labetalol?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as prescribed.Labetalol oral is taken through the mouth.
The injection of labetalol is administered in the vein by a healthcare doctor when hypertension is very severe. Following the injection, you could be required to lie in a position for 3 hours. You might feel lightheaded as you get up.
Your blood pressure is likely to be checked regularly, and you might require other tests for medical reasons. If you are diabetic, make sure you check your blood sugar frequently.Use this medication as prescribed, even if you do not feel well. High blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms.
Labetalol may result in false results for certain laboratory tests of the urine, for example, a drug-screening urine test. Inform the staff at the lab that you are using labetalol.Speak to your doctor if you are planning a procedure.It is not advisable to stop taking labetalol abruptly. A sudden stop can cause your condition to get worse.Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
What Happens If I Miss the Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can include an increased pulse, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, seizures, or fainting.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of labetalol on your body. Your reaction could be affected.Be careful not to get up too fast from a lying or seated position, as you could be dizzy. Drinking alcohol may increase your blood pressure and could also enhance certain adverse effects of labetalol.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, particularly:
- Other blood pressure medications;
- Aminophylline, theophylline;
- Cimetidine;
- Heart medicine;
- Insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
- An antidepressant—amitriptyline, doxepin, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, and others;
- A bronchodilator—albuterol, formoterol, levalbuterol, metaproterenol, olodaterol, salmeterol, and others.
This list is not comprehensive. Other medications can affect labetalol as well, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
