What Is Labetalol Used For?

Many people wonder, "What is labetalol used for?" Labetalol is most often used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The medication can significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but it does not cure hypertension. Labetalol may also be used for treating conditions other than hypertension. These off-label uses may include treatment of pheochromocytoma symptoms.

Labetalol HCl

What Is Labetalol Used For?

Labetalol hydrochloride (Trandate^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension).

Using Labetalol to Control High Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers (for example, 120/80 mmHg). The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg with multiple blood pressure readings.

Based on clinical studies, labetalol has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of labetalol, the greater the drop in blood pressure is expected to be. By lowering blood pressure, labetalol can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Labetalol is not a cure for high blood pressure.

Is Labetalol Used for Children?

Labetalol has not been approved for use in children, although it may be used off-label to treat several conditions in children.

Is Labetalol Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend labetalol for treating something other than hypertension.

This is called an "off-label" use. For example, one off-label labetalol use involves the treatment of pheochromocytoma symptoms.