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Labetalol |
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What is Labetalol and why is it prescribed? Labetalol is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications, especially thiazide diuretics and "loop" diuretics. You must take Labetalol regularly for it to be effective. Labetalol does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Labetalol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Labetalol. Labetalol can be taken with or without food. The amount of Labetalol absorbed into your bloodstream is actually increased by food. Labetalol should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If Labetalol is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Labetalol at room temperature. Are there any Labetalol side effects? Labetalol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Labetalol side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, indigestion, nausea, and stuffy nose. Less common or rare Labetalol side effects may include anaphylaxis, angioedema, changes in taste, depression, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, dizziness upon standing up, drowsiness, dry eyes, ejaculation failure, fainting, fluid retention, hair loss, headache, heart block, hives, impotence, increased sweating, itching, low blood pressure, lupus erythematosus, muscle cramps, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, tingling scalp, vertigo, vision changes, weakness, wheezing or asthma-like symptoms, vomiting, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Labetalol? If Labetalol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Labetalol with Airway opening drugs (such as Proventil and Ventolin), Antidepressant medications (such as Elavil), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Diabetes drugs (such as Micronase), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Insulin, Nitroglycerin products (such as Transderm-Nitro), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil and Motrin), Ritodrine (Yutopar), or Verapamil (Calan). Are there any special warnings about Labetalol? Labetalol has caused severe liver damage in some people. Although this is a rare occurrence, if you develop any symptoms of abnormal liver function, itching, dark urine, continuing loss of appetite, yellow eyes and skin, or unexplained "flu-like" symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. If you have a history of congestive heart failure, or kidney or liver disease, Labetalol should be used with caution. Labetalol should not be stopped suddenly. This can cause chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced. If you suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other bronchial diseases, Labetalol should be used cautiously. Labetalol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Labetalol if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
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