Labetalol

Generic Name : Labetalol

TradeName : Normadate

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure, including high blood pressure during pregnancy.

When it is to be taken : Labetalol is usually taken two or three timed a day. Labetalol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Therefore, it must be taken on a regular schedule to be effective. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

How it should be taken : Labetalol comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Labetalol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. DO not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know this drug affects you.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will want to take your blood pressure regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug and may order laboratory tests.
3. Your dose may have to be adjusted to control your blood pressure or to avoid side effects.
4. Do not stop taking Labetalol without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly can cause serious problems. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually and limit your exercise temporarily.
5. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, omit the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to take up for a missed one.

Side Effects :
1. Faintness when you getup from a lying or sitting position. Try getting up slowly until you know how the drug will affect you.
2. Drowsiness, tiredness, headache, nightmares, tingling on the scalp or skin. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.
3. Nausea, vomiting, indigestion. Take Labetalol with food.
4. Swelling of the feet and ankles, sudden weight gain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness of the airways, stuffy nose. Stop taking Labetalol and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors. Before you take Labetalol, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially, cimetidine, glutethimide, calcium channel blockers e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, and nitroglycerin.
2. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, especially congestive heart failure, asthma or lung disease, severe allergies, an adrenal tumor, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.
3. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor that you are taking Labetalol.

Storage Conditions :
Keep labetalol in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Protect from heat.