Labetalol: Uses, Interactions and Safety
Uses
Labetalol blocks alpha and beta adrenergic receptors and is used to lower high blood pressure. This overview distinguishes oral tablets in the US prescribing information from the separate Turkish LABLOL intravenous product used for closely monitored rapid blood pressure control. These formulations are not interchangeable by route.
Administration
Oral tablets should be taken according to the prescription and are not injections. Intravenous treatment belongs in a monitored healthcare setting. Do not stop regular labetalol abruptly: the prescriber may need to taper treatment, particularly with coronary disease. Tell an anaesthetist about labetalol before surgery.
Safety
Asthma, severe slow heart rate, advanced heart block, cardiogenic shock and uncontrolled heart failure can make labetalol unsuitable. Seek urgent help for wheezing, fainting, chest pain or a very slow pulse. Rare serious liver injury can occur; jaundice, dark urine or unexplained abdominal symptoms need prompt assessment. Standing up slowly may reduce dizziness from postural hypotension.
Interactions
Verapamil and diltiazem can dangerously suppress heart rate and conduction; concomitant use is contraindicated in the reviewed information. Digoxin and other beta blockers also require careful review. Labetalol can oppose beta-agonist bronchodilators. With insulin or sulfonylureas, low-glucose warning signs may be masked. Nitroglycerin can add to the fall in blood pressure.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Labetalol may be selected for hypertension in pregnancy when clinically indicated. Available human experience has not established a major malformation signal, but fetal and newborn monitoring remains important for slow heart rate, low blood pressure and low glucose. Breast-milk levels are low; feeding decisions depend on maternal need and the infant.
Adverse effects
Dizziness, nausea and fatigue are common. Postural hypotension, nasal stuffiness and scalp tingling may occur. Report troublesome symptoms before changing treatment. A healthcare professional should review all medicines because slowing the pulse further can turn otherwise tolerable effects into a serious problem.
Sources
The linked Turkish profile contains the medicine record and its documented interaction list.