Labetalol
Labetalol Hydrochloride Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
LABETALOL (la BET a lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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
history of heart attack, heart disease or heart failure
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
pheochromocytoma
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to labetalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine also interact with the following medications:
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
cimetidine
general anesthetics
medicines for asthma or lung disease like albuterol
medicines for depression
nitroglycerin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact him or her.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
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
cold hands or feet
dark urine
depression
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
irregular heartbeat
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
pain or trouble passing urine
right upper belly pain
slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your doctor or health care professional)
swollen legs or ankles
tingling of the scalp or skin
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
decreased sexual function or desire
dry itching skin
headache
tiredness
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Labetalol Hydrochloride Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
LABETALOL (la BET a lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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
history of heart attack, heart disease, or heart failure
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
pheochromocytoma
an unusual or allergic reaction to labetalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
cimetidine
general anesthetics
medicines for asthma or lung disease like albuterol
medicines for depression
nitroglycerin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
After your blood pressure and heart rate have been steadied with this medicine, your doctor or health care professional may want you to take medicine by mouth. Regular checks on your heart rate and blood pressure are necessary.
You may get drowsy or 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. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
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
cold hands or feet
dark urine
depression
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
irregular heartbeat
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
pain or trouble passing urine
right upper belly pain
slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your doctor or health care professional)
swollen legs or ankles
tingling of the scalp or skin
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
decreased sexual function or desire
dry itching skin
headache
tiredness
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert