Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: LABETALOL - INJECTION (luh-BET-uh-lol)

BRAND NAME(S): Normodyne, Trandate

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat severe high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to decrease blood pressure during surgery, which can help decrease surgical bleeding.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given slowly into a vein (IV) as repeated injections, or is given continuously as a diluted liquid (IV infusion). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the medication. Follow all instructions in the product package for proper dilution with the correct IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist for more details. You should remain lying down while this drug is being given and for 3 hours after a dose. The maximum blood pressure effect of labetalol usually occurs within 5 minutes of each injection. The maximum dosage of labetalol is 300 mg. Before using, visually check this product and diluted solutions of the drug for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Blood pressure must be monitored closely during and after drug administration. Rapid, excessive lowering of blood pressure should be avoided.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fatigue, nausea, or tingling of the scalp/skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if this potentially serious side effect occurs: dizziness. Tell your doctor immediately if these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, leg pain, increased sweating, increased urination, unusual thirst. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually slow or irregular heartbeat, persistent loss of appetite, stomach pain, persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, vision changes, difficulty urinating, mental/mood changes. Rare, but possibly fatal, liver problems have occurred during labetalol use. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, call your doctor or pharmacist.