labetalol – oral, Normodyne, Trandate
Medication Uses: Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by blocking certain natural chemicals in your body that affect the heart and blood vessels, lowering the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
How to Use: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take it with or without food, but always choose one way and stick to it. Your dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To minimize side effects, your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it gradually. It may take several weeks to see the full benefits of this drug. Continue taking it even if you feel well, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Side Effects: Common side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and scalp tingling. To prevent dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. This medication may also reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Dress warmly and avoid smoking. Serious but rare side effects include very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, and mental/mood changes. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain/tightness/pressure, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat. This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other unusual effects.
Precautions: Before taking labetalol, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Discuss your medical history, especially if you have heart rhythm problems, severe heart failure, breathing problems, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, severe allergic reactions, blood circulation problems, mental/mood disorders, or muscle disease. This drug may make you dizzy, so avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you. Limit alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medication.
Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal products. This medication may interfere with certain medical tests, so make sure your healthcare providers are aware of your use of labetalol. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Overdose: If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe weakness, fainting, and trouble breathing.
Storage: Store this medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
Additional Information: Report any negative side effects to the FDA. This medication should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.
