Labetalol Oral

Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure. Labetalol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

Labetalol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take labetalol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Labetalol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take labetalol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking labetalol without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Labetalol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
tingling scalp or skin</li>
<li>
lightheadedness</li>
<li>
excessive tiredness</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
stuffy nose</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
shortness of breath or wheezing</li>
<li>
swelling of the feet and lower legs</li>
<li>
sudden weight gain</li>
<li>
chest pain</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking labetalol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to labetalol or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; cimetidine (Tagamet); nitroglycerin; medications for asthma, headaches, allergies, colds, or pain; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; asthma or other lung disease; severe allergies; diabetes; or pheochromocytoma. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking labetalol. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.