PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, heart problems (e.g., mild/moderate congestive heart failure), pheochromocytoma, diabetes, any allergies. This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: lung disease (asthma, COPD), certain heart problems (e.g. advanced heart block, severe bradycardia, severe heart failure, post-CABG surgery). This drug may make you dizzy for up to 3 hours after it is given. You should remain lying down during this time period in order to prevent falls. You should get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position; another person should assist you. Use caution when performing activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Normal doses of epinephrine may not be as effective while you are using this medication. If you are diabetic, this drug may block certain symptoms of low blood sugar. Increased sweating is a symptom that is not affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Labetolol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), other heart medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, nitroglycerin), cimetidine, glutethimide, asthma drugs (e.g., beta-agonist bronchodilator drugs such as albuterol), diabetes drugs, other high blood pressure drugs (e.g., clonidine, methyldopa), arbutamine, halothane anesthetic, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine). Alkaline medications (such as sodium bicarbonate or furosemide) must not be given in the same IV line as labetalol (a white precipitate may form). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., amphetamine). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.