(la-BET-a-lole)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Pheochromocytoma (add-on treatment)

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of mild to severe high blood pressure. The intravenous form is used to treat severe high blood pressure crisis

BRAND NAME
Normodyne, Trandate

DRUG CLASS
Blood pressure medication (alpha-blocker, beta-blocker)

DESCRIPTION
Labetalol acts on specific receptors in the cardiac system to reduce blood pressure.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, numbness, scalp tingling, upset stomach, ejaculatory failure, impotence, increase in liver function tests, nasal congestion.

CAUTIONS
  • Avoid use when heart rate is too low, in heart block, cardiogenic shock, asthma, cardiac failure, or pregnancy.
  • Paradoxical increase in blood pressure may occur.
  • Patient should remain lying down during and for three hours after intravenous administration.
  • Use with caution in impaired liver function.
  • May mask signs and symptoms of low blood glucose levels.
  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation.
  • Concurrent use with verapamil, diltiazem, or digoxin could cause too slow heart rate or heart block.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Aluminum and aluminum salts, barbiturates, inhaled anesthetics, cholestyramine, colestipol, NSAIDs, penicillins, other drugs used for blood pressure or those that effect the specific liver enzyme group (P2D6) responsible for metabolizing labetalol.

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Food increases serum levels of labetalol.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Dong quai, ephedra, yohimbe, ginseng, large quantities of natural licorice, garlic

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. FDA Pregnancy Risk Category D in second and third trimester of pregnancy. Excreted in breast milk. Contact doctor for approval of use during breast-feeding.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This drug has a black box warning regarding the possible adverse event of liver toxicity.
Monitoring of liver function should be performed during therapy. Take with food to minimize stomach upset.

This information pertains to the use of the prescription product only and should not be inferred for the use of nonprescription formulations.
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