Labetalol was approved by the U.S. FDA to treat hypertension on November 10, 1977.

Labetalol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and can also be prescribed for certain heart conditions. This drug is particularly useful in managing hypertensive emergencies, such as crises or severe hypertension during pregnancy.

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered as an intravenous injection into a vein and is also available in tablet form. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Labetalol are headache, dizziness, tiredness, stuffy nose, tingling of the scalp, urination difficulties, not being able to ejaculate, vomiting, nausea, and indigestion.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to this drug and its ingredients. Labetalol may worsen bronchospasm and respiratory function in individuals with asthma or severe COPD. It should be mainly used with caution in such cases. This drug is primarily used to lower blood pressure but can also affect heart rate. It may cause bradycardia (slow heart rate), especially in individuals with preexisting heart rhythm disorders. Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels and heart rate is important during treatment. Inform your doctor or surgeon about the drug you are taking before surgery. This drug may interact with anesthesia and other medications used during surgery, potentially affecting blood pressure control.

Individuals with impaired liver function may experience increased drug levels as the liver metabolizes this medicine. Dose adjustments may be necessary for these conditions. Labetolol may affect blood sugar levels and can mask some signs of low blood sugar. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is important for diabetic patients taking this medicine, and adjustments in diabetes medications may be required. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the medicine, as this drug passes into the breast milk. It is highly advised to inform your physician if you take other medications before using over-the-counter or herbal products. Your doctor will evaluate the risk of interaction with this medication.

Labetalol can cause a drop in blood pressure when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension), leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. To minimize this, rise slowly from lying down or sitting positions. Along with medication, lifestyle modifications can help manage blood pressure. These may include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco products.

1. RPH Pharmaceuticals AB, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2020] [ Accessed on 29th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9165.pdf
2. Hospira, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Nov 2011] [Accessed on 29th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/075239s010lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Adrenergic agonists and antagonists, 12th edition, 2011, 328.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.