Labetalol (By injection)
la-BAYT-a-lol
Treats severe hypertension (high blood pressure).
Drug classes
Antianginal, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Labetalol injection is used to treat severe high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You will need to remain lying down for up to 3 hours after you receive this medicine.
Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how labetalol works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Cimetidine Nitroglycerin Verapamil Other medicines to lower blood pressure Tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to labetalol, or if you have asthma or similar lung problems.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, liver disease, or pheochromocytoma. Tell your doctor if you have heart failure or any other heart problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver problems Low blood pressure Changes to your blood sugar levelsPossible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain
Lightheadedness or fainting
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
Slow, fast, or pounding heartbeat
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dizziness or sleepiness
Increased sweating
Mild nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
Tingling in your scalp
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Normodyne, NovaPlus Labetalol Hydrochloride, Trandate
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
