Labetalol
Malignant Hypertension, Angina Pectoris ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
Pharmaceutical Class
Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
Labetalol
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Labetalol is primarily used to manage hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Labetalol works in two ways: it slows your heart rate and relaxes your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood.
Labetalol is taken orally, typically as a long-term medication. Doctors usually start adults on a low dose of 100mg and slowly increase it until the blood pressure is controlled. The typical daily dose is between 200mg and 400mg.
Common side effects of Labetalol include dizziness, tiredness, and nausea. It can also cause headaches, upset stomach, and stuffy nose. In rare cases, it can cause serious reactions like rash or trouble breathing.
Labetalol is not safe for people with asthma, serious heart problems, low blood pressure, or severe liver or kidney disease. It's important not to stop taking it suddenly. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Indications and Purpose
What is Labetalol used for?
Labetalol pills help lower high blood pressure. They can be taken by themselves or with other blood pressure medicines, especially types called thiazide and loop diuretics.
How does Labetalol work?
Labetalol is a blood pressure medicine that works in two ways: it slows your heart rate and relaxes your blood vessels. It comes in different strengths (100, 200, or 300 mg pills). Taking it with nitroglycerin (another blood pressure medicine) can lower your blood pressure even more, but taking it with other heart medicines that slow your heart can cause your heart to beat too slowly. Also, it can sometimes cause a false positive result on a drug test for amphetamines.
Is Labetalol effective?
Labetalol is a medicine that lowers blood pressure by blocking certain body signals. It works on two types of receptors at once, making it effective for blood pressure control. Tests show it doesn't cause cancer or genetic changes. However, we don't know for sure how well it works in children.
How does one know if Labetalol is working?
Labetalol helps lower blood pressure. Doctors check your blood pressure to see if it's working. If you have kidney problems, they'll do extra tests to check your kidneys. They'll also regularly check your blood for other things to make sure everything is okay.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Labetalol?
Labetalol is a blood pressure medicine. Doctors usually start adults on a low dose (100mg) and slowly increase it (by 100mg) every few days until the blood pressure is controlled. The typical daily dose is between 200mg and 400mg, but everyone's needs are different, so a doctor will adjust the dose accordingly. There's no information here about how much children should take.
How do I take Labetalol?
Labetalol tablets should be taken orally. The bioavailability increases when taken with food, so it is best taken with meals to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of side effects. No specific food restrictions are listed.
For how long do I take Labetalol?
Labetalol is typically used as a long-term medication for managing hypertension. Therapy duration depends on the patient's response and medical condition, as advised by a physician.
How long does it take for Labetalol to start working?
The peak antihypertensive effects occur 2 to 4 hours after oral administration. Steady-state effects are achieved within 24 to 72 hours of regular dosing.
How should I store Labetalol?
Keep the medicine in a cool place, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This is about room temperature.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Labetalol?
Labetalol is a blood pressure medicine. It's not safe for people with asthma, serious heart problems (like heart failure, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure), or severe liver or kidney disease. If you have a history of serious allergic reactions, it might not work as well for you. Never stop taking it suddenly; talk to your doctor first. Your doctor will likely check your liver and kidneys while you're on this medicine.
Can I take Labetalol with other prescription drugs?
Labetalol can have problems when taken with other medicines. It can increase shaking if taken with certain antidepressants. It can cause a slow heartbeat if taken with heart medicines like digitalis. It might not work as well with asthma inhalers, needing a higher dose. One stomach medicine (cimetidine) makes labetalol stronger, so the dose might need changing. It can cause dangerously low blood pressure with anesthesia or nitroglycerin. It's risky to combine with certain blood pressure medicines (like verapamil). Finally, it can affect some medical tests done on your urine. It's important to tell your doctor about all your medicines before taking labetalol.
Can I take Labetalol with vitamins or supplements?
Caution should be taken with supplements that can affect blood pressure or interact with beta-blockers. Consult a physician before combining them.
Can Labetalol be taken safely while pregnant?
Labetalol is a blood pressure medicine. Doctors are careful about using it during pregnancy because studies in pregnant women are limited. Basically, a doctor will only use it if the benefit to the mother's health is greater than any potential risk to the baby.
Can Labetalol be taken safely while breastfeeding?
A tiny amount of the medicine labetalol passes into breast milk. Doctors should be careful when giving this medicine to mothers who are breastfeeding.
Is Labetalol safe for the elderly?
Labetalol is a blood pressure medicine. For older adults, it's often started at a lower dose than for younger people, and they may need a lower dose overall because their bodies process it more slowly. They should be careful because it can sometimes cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. It's very important to talk to a doctor before stopping this medicine.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Labetalol?
Labetalol's effect on exercise depends on how much you take. It lowers your blood pressure and heart rate when you exercise, and it reduces how hard your heart works overall. Importantly, it doesn't affect how your lungs work during exercise.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Labetalol?
Alcohol can enhance Labetalol's blood pressure-lowering effects, leading to dizziness or fainting. Avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medication.
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