Labetalol

About labetalol

Labetalol can be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Angina is caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the heart muscle.

Labetalol works by slowing down the activity of the heart which helps to reduce blood pressure and reduces the heart's need for oxygen. This makes angina attacks less likely to occur.

Labetalol may be used to treat hypertension occurring during pregnancy.

Before taking labetalol

Before taking labetalol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
• If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have psoriasis.
• If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
• If you have heart block (a slow and irregular heart beat).
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis, Prinzmetal's angina or phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take labetalol

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take labetalol exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken twice a day (morning and evening) after meals.
• Try to take labetalol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not stop taking labetalol without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly as labetalol can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
• Before buying any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside labetalol.
• Before having any kind of medical test or surgery (including dental or emergency treatment) tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking labetalol.

Can labetalol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) contact your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store labetalol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Trandate® Tablets 100 mg & 200 mg, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2005, accessed September 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).