Labetalol Hydrochloride Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

LABETALOL (la BET a lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• cold hands or feet

• dark urine

• depression

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• irregular heartbeat

• light-colored stools

• loss of appetite, nausea

• pain or trouble passing urine

• right upper belly pain

• slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your doctor or health care professional)

• swollen legs or ankles

• tingling of the scalp or skin

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• decreased sexual function or desire

• dry itching skin

• headache

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine

• diltiazem

• general anesthetics

• medicines for asthma or lung disease like albuterol

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for depression

• nitroglycerin

• verapamil

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• history of heart attack, heart disease, or heart failure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

• pheochromocytoma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to labetalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

After your blood pressure and heart rate have been steadied with this medicine, your doctor or health care professional may want you to take medicine by mouth. Regular checks on your heart rate and blood pressure are necessary.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.