Labetalol

It is used for treating high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines, such as diuretics. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Labetalol is an adrenergic receptor blocker. It works by blocking both alpha and beta receptors in the body, which results in the lowering of blood pressure.

Do NOT use Labetalol if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Labetalol

* you have second- or third-degree heart block, moderate to severe first-degree heart block after a heart attack, heart failure, abnormal heart function test (eg, electrocardiogram [ECG]), or shock caused by serious heart problems

* you have asthma, obstructive airway disease, or other breathing disorders

* you have severe slow heartbeat or severe low blood pressure

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Use Labetalol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Labetalol is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Labetalol at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Labetalol . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

* Do not use Labetalol if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

* Because severe dizziness may occur upon standing, remain lying down immediately after and for up to 3 hours after receiving your dose. Talk with your doctor about how to gradually become active after your dose.

* If you miss a dose of Labetalol , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Labetalol .

* Labetalol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Labetalol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* Labetalol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

* Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

* Do not suddenly stop using Labetalol without first checking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping Labetalol may result in chest pain or temporary symptoms such as shaking, sweating, headache, irregular heartbeat, and general unwell feeling. If your doctor decides that you should stop using Labetalol , your dosage should be reduced over a period of 1 to 2 weeks and you should be carefully monitored.

* Tell your doctor or dentist that you use Labetalol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

* If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using Labetalol .

* Labetalol may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Labetalol .

* If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.

* Diabetes patients - Labetalol may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

* Diabetes patients - Labetalol may hide signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs of low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

* Lab tests, including kidney and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Labetalol . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Labetalol should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Labetalol while you are pregnant. Labetalol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Labetalol , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.