Type of medicine: beta blocker; antihypertensive (treats high blood pressure)
Generic and brand names: labetalol, oral; Trandate
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat high blood pressure.
It may be used alone or with other medicines. This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Talk to your healthcare provider before you use any nasal decongestants or take cold medicines, including nonprescription products.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take this medicine regularly, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose must be gradually decreased to avoid side effects.
Take any other medicines as prescribed. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.
Take this medicine with food.
This medicine does not cure high blood pressure but will control it if taken regularly. Do not miss a dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: slow or irregular heartbeat, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, fainting, seizures.
Your healthcare provider may want you to check your pulse regularly. Report any unusual slowing of your heart rate.
This medicine may make you drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. You may also feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. This includes cataract surgery.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; continued dizziness or fainting; trouble breathing; rash; slow pulse; new or worsening depression; night cough; swelling of hands or feet; unexplained weight gain; itching; dark urine; sweating; fever; muscle aches; yellowing of your eyes or skin; severe stomach pain or vomiting; unusual bruising or bleeding.
Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, diarrhea, headache, nausea, mild stomach pain, trouble sleeping, tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, abdominal pain, change in sexual desire or ability, tingling scalp.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you have trouble identifying any of these medicines, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
