Drugs & Vitamins

Labetalol Injection Active Ingredients: Labetalol Injection Representative Names: Normodyne Injection, Trandate Injection What is labetalol injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with labetalol? What side effects may I notice from receiving labetalol? What should I watch for while taking labetalol? Where can I keep my medicine? What is labetalol injection? (Back to top) LABETALOL (Normodyne®, Trandate®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Labetalol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Generic labetalol injection is available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm •circulation problems •depression •diabetes •emphysema, or other lung disease •history of heart attack or heart disease •kidney disease •liver disease •muscle weakness or disease •pheochromocytoma •psoriasis •thyroid disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to labetalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Labetalol is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hosptial or clinic setting. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. Labetalol injection is only for short-term use and will be administered as long as is necessary. What drug(s) may interact with labetalol? (Back to top) •cimetidine •diltiazem •hawthorn •medicines for diabetes •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for mental depression •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •nitroglycerin •verapamil •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving labetalol? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •cold hands or feet •dark yellow or brown urine •depression •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness or fainting spells •irregular heartbeat •pain or difficulty passing urine •skin rash •slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional) •swollen legs or ankles •tingling of the scalp or skin •vomiting •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dry itching skin •headache •nausea •sexual difficulties, impotence •unusual tiredness What should I watch for while taking labetalol? (Back to top) After your blood pressure and heart rate have been steadied with this medicine, your prescriber or health care professional may want you to take medicine by mouth. Regular checks on your heart rate and blood pressure are necessary. You may get drowsy or dizzy. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. Labetalol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.