Labetalol is a prescription medication that can be used to control high blood pressure. This eMedTV article offers an overview of labetalol, including tips on how to best take the medication and details about common side effects.
Common labetalol side effects 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 gain in weight while on the drug may be a sign of a serious health condition.
In the case of labetalol, sexual side effects of the drug may include impotence and Peyronie's disease. This eMedTV segment discusses sexual side effects that were reported in studies of labetalol, such as ejaculation failure.
There are many side effects 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 patients taking labetalol in clinical trials.
Less than 1 percent of patients reported experiencing dry eyes while taking labetalol. As this eMedTV page explains, when it comes to labetalol and dry eyes, it's often difficult to tell if the eye dryness 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 labetalol dose used to maintain 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, precautions and warnings to be aware of include not stopping the drug abruptly. This eMedTV Web page outlines other precautions and warnings 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 eMedTV Web page discusses labetalol and pregnancy, including information on the results of studies involving pregnant animals.
If you take too much labetalol, overdose symptoms may include trouble breathing, seizures, and fainting. This eMedTV resource lists other possible symptoms of a labetalol overdose and describes how such an overdose is 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.
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