Labetalol

About Labetalol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers.

Labetalol can be used to treat 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 is available in tablet and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Trandate. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Labetalol

Before taking Labetalol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from low blood pressure, a slow heart beat or poor circulation
• if you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties
• if you suffer from diabetes
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
• if you suffer from psoriasis
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Labetalol

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Take this medicine with or after food.
• Try to take your medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Labetalol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Labetalol.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Labetalol.
• Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• If you are having any medical tests tell the person doing the test that you are taking this medicine.
• You may become dizzy after standing up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Make sure that you do not feel dizzy before driving, operating machinery or doing any other job that could be dangerous if you felt dizzy.
• It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
• If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

Can Labetalol cause problems?

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

Tiredness, weakness, headache, feeling depressed, blocked nose, skin rashes, tingling scalp, problems passing water, stomach pain, feeling or being sick, sweating, swollen ankles, sexual problems, cold hands and feet.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Labetalol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 21/01/2005