$Unique_ID{BRK01998}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{LABETALOL}
$Subject{Normodyne (Schering)
Trandate (Glaxo)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LABETALOL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Normodyne (Schering)
     Trandate (Glaxo)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Alpha/beta-adrenergic blocking agent
INGREDIENT:
     labetalol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg)
STORAGE:
     Labetalol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure.  Labetalol belongs to a
group of medicines known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents or, more commonly,
beta blockers.  These drugs work by controlling impulses along certain nerve
pathways.

TREATMENT

     Labetalol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).  In order to become accustomed to taking this
medication, try to take it at the same time(s) each day.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     Labetalol does not cure high blood pressure but will help control the
condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain; change in taste; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dryness
of the eyes, mouth, and skin; fainting; fatigue; headache; heartburn;
light-headedness; nasal congestion; nausea; numbness or tingling of the
fingers or toes; scalp tingling; or vomiting.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to this medication.
     If you are extra-sensitive to the cold, be sure to dress warmly during
cold weather.
     Plain, nonmedicated eye drops (artificial tears) may help to relieve eye
dryness.
     Sucking on ice chips or chewing sugarless gum helps to relieve mouth and
throat dryness.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by
alternately pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot
slightly, so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
cold hands or feet (due to decreased blood circulation to skin, fingers, and
toes), confusion, depression, difficult or painful urination, impotence,
itching, muscle cramps, rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a
week), rash, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision
disturbances, wheezing or difficulty in breathing, or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication can interact with a variety of other types of
medications:
     1. Indomethacin, aspirin, and other salicylates may decrease the
blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers.
     2. Concurrent use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers
(diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil) or disopyramide can lead to heart failure
or very low blood pressure.  However, there may be times when your doctor may
decide that multiple medications are necessary.
     3. Cimetidine can increase the blood concentrations of labetalol, which
can result in greater side effects.
     4. Side effects may also be increased when beta blockers are taken with
clonidine, digoxin, epinephrine, chlorpromazine furosemide, hydralazine, oral
contraceptives (birth control pills), phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine,
phenothiazine tranquilizers, prazosin, reserpine, or monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitors.  At least 14 days should separate the use of a beta blocker and an
MAO inhibitor.
     5. Beta blockers may antagonize (work against) the effects of
theophylline, aminophylline, albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, and
terbutaline.
     6. Beta blockers can also interact with insulin or oral antidiabetic
agents, raising or lowering blood sugar levels or masking the symptoms of low
blood sugar.
     7. Concurrent use of tricyclic antidepressants and labetalol can increase
the risk of tremors (trembling or shakiness).
     8. Halothane anesthesia and nitroglycerin can increase the
blood-pressure-lowering effects of labetalol.
     9. Alcohol, barbiturates, and rifampin can decrease blood concentrations
of beta blockers, which can result in a decrease of effectiveness.
     Before starting labetalol, TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any drugs you are
currently taking, especially any of the medications listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Before you start taking this medication, it is important for you to
tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reaction you have had to any
medications, especially to labetalol or to any other beta blocker (acebutolol,
atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol,
pindolol, propranolol, timolol).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma,
bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, heart block, heart failure, liver disease,
pheochromocytoma, poor circulation in fingers and toes, or a slow heartbeat.
     * You may want to check your pulse while taking this medication.  If your
pulse is much slower than your usual rate (or if it is less than 50 beats per
minute), check with your doctor.  A pulse rate that is too slow may cause
circulation problems.
     * This drug may affect your body's response to exercise.  Ask your doctor
how much exercise is appropriate given your state of health.
     * Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your
doctor.  Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped
suddenly, and the danger of a heart attack is increased in some patients.
Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of medicine you take
before stopping completely.  Have enough medicine on hand to last through
vacations, holidays, and weekends.
     * Before undergoing surgery or any other medical or dental treatment,
tell your physician or dentist that you are taking this medicine.  Often, this
medication will be discontinued 48 hours prior to any major surgery.
     * Labetalol can cause decreased alertness, dizziness, drowsiness, and
lightheadedness.  Exercise caution while driving a car or using any
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * While taking this medicine, do not use any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus, or diet preparation
without first checking with your pharmacist or doctor.  The combination of
these medicines with a beta blocker can result in high blood pressure.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although labetalol
appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of labetalol may pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
