Labetalol is a prescription medication that can be used to control high blood pressure. This eMedTV article offers an overview of this drug, including tips on how to best take it, common side effects to be aware of, dosing information, and more.
Common side effects of labetalol may include fatigue, nasal stuffiness, or nausea. This part of the eMedTV Web site also lists less common problems and serious side effects that require medical attention, such as confusion or vomiting.
Gradual weight gain does not appear to be a side effect of labetalol. This eMedTV resource discusses labetalol and weight gain, and explains that a rapid increase in weight while on the drug may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
In the case of labetalol, sexual side effects of the drug may include impotence and Peyronie's disease. This eMedTV segment discusses these and other sexual problems, and explains what your doctor can do if they occur while taking labetalol.
Many side effects are associated with labetalol, and hair loss is one of them. As explained in this eMedTV article, hair loss is a side effect that occurred in less than 1 percent of people taking this medication in clinical trials.
Less than 1 percent of people reported experiencing dry eyes with labetalol. As this eMedTV resource explains, because this potential problem is so uncommon, it's often difficult to tell if dry eyes is actually a side effect of the drug.
What is labetalol used for? As explained in this section of the eMedTV library, labetalol is mainly used to treat high blood pressure. Although it is only approved for adults, labetalol can be used "off-label" in children to treat other conditions.
For people just starting labetalol, dosing typically begins at 100 mg twice daily. This section of the eMedTV library discusses the typical dosage used to maintain a normal blood pressure and discusses how to best take the medication.
Drug interactions with labetalol may occur when the medication is taken with calcium channel blockers. This eMedTV resource discusses drug interactions that may occur when labetalol is taken with medicines such as cimetidine.
In the case of labetalol, warnings and precautions to be aware of include not stopping the drug abruptly. This eMedTV Web page outlines other safety concerns for labetalol users, including information about who should not take the drug.
The use of labetalol during pregnancy may increase the risk for health problems in a fetus. This article on the eMedTV Web site discusses this issue in detail, including information on the results of studies involving pregnant animals.
Symptoms associated with an overdose of labetalol may include trouble breathing, seizures, and fainting. This eMedTV resource lists other possible symptoms and describes how such an overdose is typically treated.
An alternative to Trandate, generic labetalol is available under the name Labetalol Hydrochloride tablets. This eMedTV Web page discusses available strengths of generic forms of labetalol and lists some companies that manufacture them.
