Labetalol Oral
Drug Review
Compare Prices
Conditions & Treatments
Choose from these
common conditions
common conditions
Browse treatment centers:
Labetalol Oral
(la bet' a lole)
(la bet' a lole)
What makes the information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org different?
- We do not rely simply on drug package inserts and manufacturer claims.
- Our information about drug and safety, off-label uses, side effects and interactions is based on the best available clinical evidence -- the same information used by hospital pharmacists
Normodyne, Trandate
Important warning
Do not stop taking labetalol without talking to your doctor first. If labetalol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain
or heart attack in some people.
Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Labetalol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take labetalol
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Labetalol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take labetalol even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking labetalol without talking to your doctor.
Labetalol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- tingling scalp or skin
- lightheadedness
- excessive tiredness
- headache
- upset stomach
- stuffy nose
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- swelling of the feet and lower legs
- sudden weight gain
- chest pain
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Before taking labetalol,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to labetalol or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; cimetidine (Tagamet); nitroglycerin; medications for asthma, headaches, allergies, colds, or pain; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; asthma or other lung disease; severe allergies; diabetes; or pheochromocytoma.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking labetalol, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking labetalol.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium
diet, follow these directions carefully.
Labetalol may be taken with or without food, but it should be taken the same way every day.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Labetalol is also used sometimes to treat chest pain (angina) and to treat patients with tetanus. Talk to your doctor about
the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your
response to labetalol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you
how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines
you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list
with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with
you in case of emergencies.
Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare drugs and other treatment options for over 100 medical conditions and start making better health decisions. JOIN NOW!
Subscribe now for 24/7 health news and information
Tips for staying healthy and preventing illness
Independent evaluations of diets, fitness routines and other wellness products
Treatment Ratings for over 200 medical and mental health conditions
Unbiased reviews of most prescriptions and OTC drugs
Effectiveness Ratings for over 20,000 Alternative Medic ines
