Labetalol Injection

What is this medicine?

LABETALOL (la BET a lole) is a beta-blocker. It decreases the amount of work your heart has to do and helps your heart beat regularly. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of heart failure like breathing problems, fast, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, hands; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal; unusually weak or tired; blurred vision

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious; confusion; dizziness; increased hunger; unusually weak or tired; increased sweating; shakiness; cold, clammy skin; irritable; headache; blurred vision; fast heartbeat; loss of consciousness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• dizziness

• nausea, vomiting

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for lung or breathing disease, like albuterol

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat

• certain medicines for depression, like amitriptyline

• cimetidine

• halothane

• nitroglycerin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This drug is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to labetalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this drug.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy.

This drug may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or drugs are needed if you have diabetes.