Labetalol Side Effects, Uses, Dosage and Warnings
Labetalol is a medication often used to treat hypertension and lower blood pressure. It belongs to the class of drugs known as beta blockers. In this article we discuss the side effects, uses, and dosage of labetalol. We also answer the questions what is labetalol, what are the uses of labetalol, and how does labetalol work?
What Is Labetalol?
Labetalol is a medication often used to treat hypertension and lower blood pressure. It belongs to the class of drugs known as beta blockers.
Labetalol Side Effects
Labetalol does have potential side effects—some more common and serious than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of labetalol include:
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Lightheadedness
- Tightness in chest
- Weezing
- Tingling scalp or skin
- Stuffy nose
- Upset stomach
Serious Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of labetalol may include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling in the feet
- Swelling in the hands
- Unusual sweating
- Trouble breathing
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Labetalol Uses
Labetalol can be used to control and lower blood pressure and treat hypertension. It can also be used to treat and prevent chest pain caused by angina.
How Does Labetalol Work?
Labetalol is a beta blocker which works by relaxing blood vessels. It also helps slow heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
Labetalol Dosage
The dosage for labetalol can depend on many factors including weight, age, and medical condition. The recommended dosage for adults ranges from 400mg and 800mg, split into two doses. Adults should begin by taking 100mg of labetalol twice a day before steadily increasing their dosage. This dosage may increase to as much as 2,400 mg per day based on a doctor’s recommendation.
Labetalol is available as a tablet and injectable solution. As a tablet, labetalol comes at strengths of 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg. As an injectable solution, it comes at a strength of 5mg/mL.
Labetalol Warnings
Labetalol can cause excessive sweating and trouble breathing. In rare cases, taking labetalol may cause liver disease. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Very slow heartbeat
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Blue fingers and toes
- Swelling ankles and feet
- Yellowing skin
- Yellowing eyes
- Symptoms of heart failure.
Labetalol Interactions
Labetalol may interact with asthma inhalers, drugs used to treat depression, and other medications. Consult your doctor before taking labetalol in conjunction with any of the following medications.
- Asthma Inhalers such as albuterol, salmeterol, and aformoterol.
- Heartburn Medications such as cimetidine.
- Heart Medications such as digoxin, clonidine, and amiodarone.
Labetalol Side Effects Uses, Dosage, And Warnings Summary
Labetalol is a beta blocker medication used to control and lower blood pressure, treat hypertension, and prevent chest pain caused by angina.
It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow. Labetalol can be taken as a tablet or injectable solution to help slow heart rate.
