Labetalol is a drug to treat high blood pressure or hypertension. Better controlled blood pressure can reduce the risk of a number of complications from hypertension, including stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
Labetalol belongs to the class of beta-blocking drugs. This drug works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. That way, blood flow becomes smoother and blood pressure will decrease.
Labetalol trademarks:-
What is Labetalol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Beta blockers |
| Benefit | Overcoming high blood pressure |
| Consumed by | Adults and seniors |
| Labetalol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Labetalol can be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, injections |
Precautions Before Using Labetalol
Labetalol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you should pay attention to before using labetalol:
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to labetalol. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, low blood pressure, angina, or a heart rhythm disorder, such as AV block or bradycardia.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thyroid disease, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, tumors in the adrenal glands, psoriasis, blood circulation disorders or myasthenia gravis.
- Tell your doctor if you have had bypass surgery.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking labetalol before any eye surgery, including cataract surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking labetalol.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Labetalol
Labetelol is available in tablet and injection form. Labetalol injectable form will be directly given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
The following is the dosage of labetalol tablets to treat high blood pressure based on the patient's age:
- Mature: Initial dose 100 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 200–400 mg, 2 times daily, according to the patient's response. The maximum dose is 2,400 mg per day, divided into 2-4 times to drink.
- seniors: Initial dose 40–100 mg, 2 times daily. Maintenance dose 100–200 mg, 2 times daily.
How to Use Labetalol Correctly
Always follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before using labetalol.
Labetalol is taken after meals. Swallow the labetalol tablets by drinking water. Take labetalol at the same time every day.
If you forget to take labetalol, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose. Tell your doctor if you frequently forget to take labetalol.
Keep taking labetalol even if you feel better. Do not increase or decrease your dose and do not start or stop taking labetalol without consulting your doctor first.
Store labetalol at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
ILabetalol interactions with other drugs
The use of labetatol together with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Enhances blood pressure lowering effect when used with halothane or nitroglycerin
- Increased blood levels of labetalol when used with cimetidine
- Decreased blood levels of labetalol when used with glutethimide
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances, such as bradycardia when used with verapamil or diltiazem
- Increased levels of tricyclic antidepressant drugs in the blood, which can cause tremors, low blood pressure, or dry mouth
Labetalol Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking labetalol, including:
- Dizziness or feeling floating
- Heavy tired
- Sweating
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea or stomach ache
- Numbness or tingling
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Confused, cold sweat, hard to breathe
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the face, hands, or feet
- Dizziness that's getting heavier
- Faint
