Labetalol

CAUTION:
Do not discontinue taking labetalol without informing your doctor first. If labetalol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack in some people.

O  General Information and Indications:

Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. This drug is sometimes ordered for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

O  Information For Users:

Labetalol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take labetalol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Labetalol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue taking labetalol even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking labetalol without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine

Labetalol is also used sometimes to treat chest pain (angina) and to treat patients with tetanus. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication.

O  Special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to labetalol or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; cimetidine (Tagamet); nitroglycerin; medications for asthma, headaches, allergies, colds, or pain; and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding heart, kidney, or liver disease; asthma or other lung disease; severe allergies; diabetes; or pheochromocytoma.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking labetalol, call your doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking labetalol.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

O  Possible Adverse Effects:

Though adverse effects of labetalol are not common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o dizziness
o tingling scalp or skin
o lightheadedness
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o headache
o upset stomach
o stuffy nose

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:

o shortness of breath or wheezing
o swelling of the feet and lower legs
o sudden weight gain
o chest pain

O  Brand Name(s):

o Normodyne®
o Trandate®