Labetalol (Injection)

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Seizures.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling tired or sleepy.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, stomach upset.
• Problems with sex or erections.
• Tingling feeling in your scalp.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Labetalol (la-BAYT-a-lol)

Treats severe hypertension (high blood pressure).

Brand Name(s)

Trandate

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You will need to remain lying down for at least 30 minutes after you receive this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows about all other blood pressure medicines you are using.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), nitroglycerin, verapamil (Calan®, Covera®) or medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Norpramin®, Vivactil®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, liver disease, pheochromocytoma, or overactive thyroid.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of congestive heart failure, or any other heart problems.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar, or it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.