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Common brand names: Normodyne, Trandate
Why is this drug prescribed?
Labetalol is used to control high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood
vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. Sometimes this drug is
prescribed for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions concerning its use.
How and when should labetalol be used?
Labetalol comes in tablets is usually taken two or three times a day. Your
prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose -- follow these
instructions carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part
that you do not understand.
This medication controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Therefore,
it is important that you take labetalol regularly. Try to take it at the same
time each day. NEVER stop taking labetalol without consulting your doctor.
Stopping the medication abruptly may make your condition worse.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you may have about refilling your
prescription.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
- Before labetalol is prescribed, tell your health care provider about any
other medicines you may be taking, including vitamins, herbals, dietary
supplements, and other prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter)
medications and especially if you are taking:
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- epinephrine (used to treat severe allergic reaction)
- nitroglycerin
- other medications for high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), or heart
rhythm problems; medications for asthma, diabetes, headaches, allergies,
colds or pain; don quai, ephedra, yohimbe, ginseng, natural licorice, and
garlic
- Before labetalol is prescribed, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan
to become pregnant, become pregnant while taking the drug, or are
breastfeeding; have kidney, liver or heart disease; congestive heart
failure; diabetes; severe allergies (including allergies to labetalol or any
other drugs); an adrenal tumor; or a history of asthma or another lung
disease
- Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) daily while
taking this drug and will tell you how rapid it should be. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is slower
or faster than it should be, contact your doctor about taking the drug that
day.
- Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet and tell you to
stop smoking, follow a daily exercise program and restrict your intake of
alcohol. To obtain the greatest benefit from this drug, you must follow
these instructions.
- This medication may increase or decrease blood sugar levels and cover up
symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetic patients.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your
response to the drug can be checked.
- This drug can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and/or fatigue. Do not
drive or operate machinery until you know how it effects you. Remember that
alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- Before any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
- Be sure that you always have enough medication on hand. Check your supply
before vacations, holidays, and other occasions when you may be unable to
obtain labetalol.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose (less than 8 hours away), skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
the missed dose.
What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from labetalol are not common, the following side
effects can occur:
- Faintness/dizziness when getting up from a lying position
Try getting up more slowly.
- Nausea, vomiting or indigestion
Take labetalol with food.
- Drowsiness, headaches, nightmares, cold hands and feet, depression,
trouble having sex, unusual tiredness or weakness, tingling of the scalp or
skin, stuffy nose
Contact your doctor if these symptoms are persistent or severe.
Stop taking labetalol and contact your doctor immediately if you
experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not be a side effect);
slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; unusual bleeding or bruising; faintness
or severe dizziness; swelling of feet and ankles; sudden weight gain;
yellowing of the skin or eyes; wheezing, difficulty breathing, or tightness
of the airways.
If your symptoms are persistent or severe or if you experience any other side
effects that you think could be caused by this medication that are of concern to
you, call your doctor.
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
- Keep this medication in its original container, with the lid tightly
closed. Store labetalol at room temperature and away from heat and light
(not in the bathroom).
- Keep it and other medications out of the reach of children. Also, never
share your medication with anyone.
- Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription labels list
an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication label or if you
are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.
This handout summarizes information to help you understand
and safely take your medication. Other information--not included in this
handout--may be important for you to know because of your unique health status.
Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information on the medications
prescribed for you and your unique health care needs.
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