Brand Name(s): Normodyne, Trandate
Generic Name Labetalol
What are labetalol tablets?
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 tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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 take this medicine?
Take labetalol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be at least 8 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with labetalol?
•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 taking labetalol?
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?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking labetalol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how labetalol affects you. 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.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking labetalol.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/31/2006 |
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