Labetalol

What is labetalol?

Labetalol (also called Trandate^® or Normodyne^®) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering medicine) known as a beta-blocker. It reduces the workload of the heart and helps it to beat more regularly. It lowers blood pressure in many different ways. High blood pressure levels can damage kidneys and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Labetalol is available in these forms:

• 100 mg and 200 mg tablets taken by mouth
• A liquid suspension to be taken by mouth that is made by the pharmacy
• A clear liquid given by vein (IV)

Possible side effects of labetalol

• Low blood pressure (especially with IV form)
• Unusual weak or tired feeling
• Headache
• Impotence (sexual problems)
• Nausea
• Decreased liver function
• Diarrhea
• Dry itching skin
• Dry or burning eyes
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares
• Feeling depressed

Call the doctor right away if you have any of the following side effects:

• Trouble breathing, wheezing
• Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or palpitations
• Feeling dizzy and lightheaded or fainting spells
• Slow heart rate
• Swelling of the legs or ankles
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Skin rash
• More urine passed than usual
• Dark yellow or brown urine
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
• Tingling of the scalp or skin

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for labetalol

• This medicine may cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Do not operate heavy equipment or drive a motor vehicle until you see how this medicine will affect you. To avoid feeling dizzy or having fainting spells do not sit up or stand up too quickly.
• You or your nurse should check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly while you are taking labetalol. Your doctor will tell you what to do if your blood pressure level is low or high. Your dose of labetalol may change based on your blood pressure level.
  If your blood pressure is above _____________ or below__________ call your doctor right away. If your heart rate is _____________ call your doctor right away.
• Do not suddenly stop taking labetalol. This can lead to serious heart-related problems. Ask your doctor how you should gradually reduce the dose before you stop taking this medicine.
• Labetalol may affect the way some medicines work. Some medicines may also affect the way labetalol works. These medicines include:
  • Other blood pressure medicines
  • Medicines for colds and coughs
  • Medicines for breathing problems
  • Some medicines used for depression
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Verapamil
  • Diltiaziem
  • Cimetidine
  • Diuretics
  • Alcohol
• Always tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines or if you start taking any new medicine while you are taking labetalol.
• If you have a sudden onset of severe diarrhea or vomiting or if you sweat a lot, tell your doctor right away. This loss of body fluid may decrease your blood pressure.
• Labetalol may affect your blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. Your blood sugar level should be monitored while you are taking labetalol.
• If the pharmacy makes a liquid suspension of labetalol, you should shake the suspension well before taking the medicine. Refrigerate the liquid. Discard the medicine when the date on the label expires.