What is Labetalol? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

Take two doses daily, once in the morning and once later in the day.

Take labetalol tablets with a meal or on an empty stomach.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. 

Do not stop taking doses except when the doctor approves. 

Store labetalol tablets at room temperature 

Ask the prescriber how to manage a missed dose.

Healthcare providers will likely advise that the missed dose be taken if it’s not close to the next scheduled dose.

Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have:

• Known allergies to labetalol 

• Obstructive airway problems such as asthma or COPD

• A very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia)

• Moderate or severe heart block

• Heart failure 

• Any other medical condition that causes prolonged low blood pressure

The prescriber will need regular office visits, blood pressure checks, and blood tests to manage dosages and monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Asthma or other obstructive lung diseases such as bronchitis or emphysema

• Heart failure

• Heart rhythm abnormalities

• Slow heart rate

• Blood flow problems in your legs or feet

• Liver problems

• Diabetes

• Adrenal gland cancer (pheochromocytoma)

• A history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions)

Labetalol masks some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) like racing heartbeats or shakiness. 

• People with diabetes or who are fasting should be able to recognize other symptoms of low blood sugar such as sweating. 

• Ask the prescriber for instructions.

This medicine may cause impairment. Before driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities, become familiar with how this medicine affects you.  

Do not suddenly stop taking labetalol. The dose may need to be gradually reduced.

Labetalol injections can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint when you stand up or change position. After receiving an injection, do not stand up without someone else in the room to help you.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine, particularly before surgery or certain medical tests. 

• Some general anesthetics shouldn’t be used.

• For cataract surgery, the surgeon must know about labetalol before performing the procedure.

• Labetalol can alter the results of blood tests, such as giving back false positive readings on drug tests for amphetamines.

To avoid potential drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the medications you currently take, particularly: 

• Other beta blockers

• Blood pressure drugs called calcium channel blockers

• Drugs that treat heart rhythm problems, particularly digoxin, dronedarone, quinidine, and propafenone

• Cimetidine, epinephrine, nitroglycerin

Ask the prescriber about drinking or avoiding alcohol during treatment.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications or use general anesthetics.