Lobet

Indications

Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure. It is one of the main medicines for high blood pressure in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia. As an injection in hospital, it is used to bring down dangerously high blood pressure quickly and to control blood pressure during some operations.

How It Works

Labetalol blocks two types of receptors (alpha and beta). Blocking alpha receptors relaxes and widens blood vessels, and blocking beta receptors slows the heart and reduces its force. Together these lower blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Tablets, adults: usually started at 100 mg twice a day with food. The doctor increases the dose slowly, every week or two, as needed; common doses are 200 to 400 mg twice a day, and some people need more under supervision. In pregnancy, take it exactly as prescribed. Swallow the tablet with food. Injection: given only in hospital by a doctor or nurse, with the patient lying down and blood pressure checked closely.

Interactions

• Other blood pressure medicines add to its effect; dizziness and fainting are more likely.
• Verapamil and Diltiazem can slow the heart too much.
• If Clonidine is being stopped, the doctor will stop Labetalol first to avoid a sharp rise in blood pressure.
• Pain killers such as Ibuprofen can reduce its effect.
• It can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar in people taking insulin or diabetes tablets.
• Cimetidine can increase its levels.

Contraindications

Asthma or a history of wheezing; very slow heartbeat; second or third degree heart block (a problem with the heart's electrical signals) without a pacemaker; uncontrolled heart failure; cardiogenic shock; very low blood pressure; allergy to labetalol.

Side Effects

Common: dizziness, especially when standing up; tiredness; headache; nausea; a tingling scalp; blocked nose; ankle swelling; and difficulty passing urine. Get urgent medical help if you have wheezing or difficulty breathing, fainting or a very slow pulse, chest pain, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of liver problems such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness or pain in the upper right side of the belly.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Labetalol is widely used to treat high blood pressure in pregnancy under a doctor's care. The newborn baby may be checked for low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat and low blood sugar. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but ask your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not stop taking it suddenly, as blood pressure or chest pain can get worse; the doctor will reduce the dose slowly. Get up slowly from lying or sitting. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, circulation problems or psoriasis, and tell the surgeon or dentist before any operation. Liver tests may be done. It can affect some urine tests, so tell the laboratory you are taking it. Take care when driving until you know how it affects you.

Overdose

Overdose can cause very low blood pressure, a very slow heartbeat, dizziness, fainting and breathing problems. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Antihypertensive (combined alpha and beta blocker).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.