Labetalol

Labetalol is a prescription drug that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Marketed under the brand name Trandate and available as a generic, labetalol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. The medication is not a cure for hypertension, but it can help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Labetalol, which comes in tablet form, is available in several different strengths. Common side effects of labetalol include nausea, heartburn or indigestion, dizziness, and fatigue.

 

What Is Labetalol?

Labetalol hydrochloride (Trandate®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed for controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Labetalol has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click What Is Labetalol Used For? for more information on specific labetalol uses, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Labetalol?

Trandate is manufactured by Prometheus Laboratories. A number of companies manufacture generic labetalol, such as Watson Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Eon Laboratories.
 

How Does Labetalol Work?

Labetalol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short.
 As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to and cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
 
By blocking beta receptors, labetalol causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart.
 
Unlike a lot of other beta blockers, labetalol also blocks alpha receptors. The alpha blocker component of labetalol works more on the peripheral blood vessels (arteries and veins), or those blood vessels in the arms and legs. By blocking the alpha receptors, labetalol relaxes these blood vessels.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;