$Unique_ID{BRK03199} $Pretitle{} $Title{labetalol} $Subject{Normodyne Schering Trandate Allen Hanburys Alpha/beta-adrenergic blocking agent labetalol high blood pressure beta blockers nerve pathways} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. labetalol ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Normodyne (Schering) Trandate (Allen & Hanburys) TYPE OF DRUG Alpha/beta-adrenergic blocking agent INGREDIENT labetalol DOSAGE FORM Tablets (100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg) STORAGE Labetalol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure. Labetalol belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents or, more commonly, beta blockers. These drugs work by controlling impulses along certain nerve pathways. TREATMENT Labetalol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk (as directed by your doctor). In order to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it at the same time(s) each day. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. Labetalol does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help control the condition. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Abdominal pain; change in taste; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dryness of the eyes, mouth, and skin; fainting; fatigue; headache; heartburn; light-headedness; nasal congestion; nausea; numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes; scalp tingling; or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. If you are extra-sensitive to the cold, be sure to dress warmly during cold weather. Plain, nonmedicated eye drops (artificial tears) may help to relieve eye dryness. Sucking on ice chips or chewing sugarless gum helps to relieve mouth and throat dryness. To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by alternately pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about cold hands or feet (due to decreased blood circulation to skin, fingers, and toes), confusion, depression, difficult or painful urination, impotence, itching, muscle cramps, rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week), rash, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision disturbances, wheezing or difficulty in breathing, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. Indomethacin, aspirin, and other salicylates may decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers. 2. Concurrent use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil) or disopyramide can lead to heart failure or very low blood pressure. However, there may be times when your doctor may decide that multiple medications are necessary. 3. Cimetidine can increase the blood concentrations of labetalol, which can result in greater side effects. 4. Side effects may also be increased when beta blockers are taken with clonidine, digoxin, epinephrine, chlorpromazine, furosemide, hydralazine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenothiazine tranquilizers, prazosin, reserpine, or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. At least 14 days should separate the use of a beta blocker and an MAO inhibitor. 5. Beta blockers may antagonize (work against) the effects of theophylline, aminophylline, albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, and terbutaline. 6. Beta blockers can also interact with insulin or oral antidiabetic agents, raising or lowering blood sugar levels or masking the symptoms of low blood sugar. 7. Concurrent use of tricyclic antidepressants and labetalol can increase the risk of tremors. 8. Halothane anesthesia and nitroglycerin can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of labetalol. TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any drugs you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Before you start taking this medication, it is important for you to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reaction you have had to any medications, especially to labetalol or to any other beta blocker (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, heart block, heart failure, liver disease, pheochromocytoma, poor circulation in fingers and toes, or a slow heartbeat. * You may want to check your pulse while taking this medication. If your pulse is much slower than your usual rate (or if it is less than 50 beats per minute), check with your doctor. A pulse rate that is too slow may cause circulation problems. * This drug may affect your body's response to exercise. Ask your doctor how much exercise is appropriate given your state of health. * Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, and the danger of a heart attack is increased in some patients. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of medicine you take before stopping completely. Have enough medicine on hand to last through vacations, holidays, and weekends. * Before undergoing surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell your physician or dentist that you are taking this medicine. Often, this medication will be discontinued 48 hours prior to any major surgery. * Labetalol can cause decreased alertness, dizziness, drowsiness, and light-headedness. Exercise caution while driving a car or using any potentially dangerous machinery. * While taking this medicine, do not use any over-the-counter allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus, or diet preparation without first checking with your pharmacist or doctor. The combination of these medicines with a beta blocker can result in high blood pressure. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although labetalol appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of labetalol may pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.