Labetalol

  • Brand Name : Trandate
  • Drug Class : Beta-Blockers, Alpha Activity
  • Medical Author : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
  • Medical Reviewer :
  • _eael_post_view_count : 11

What Is Labetalol and How Does It Work?

Labetalol is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of Hypertension (high blood pressure), and Hypertensive Emergency.

  • Labetalol is available under the following different brand names: Trandate

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Labetalol?

Common side effects of Labetalol include:

  • dizziness, 
  • drowsiness, 
  • tiredness, 
  • nausea, 
  • vomiting, 
  • sudden warmth, 
  • skin redness, 
  • sweating, 
  • numbness, and 
  • tingly feeling in the scalp

Serious side effects of Labetalol include:

  • hives, 
  • difficulty breathing, 
  • swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, 
  • severe dizziness, 
  • lightheadedness
  • slow heart rate, 
  • weak pulse
  • fainting
  • slow breathing or breathing that may stop, 
  • shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), 
  • swelling, 
  • rapid weight gain, 
  • severe headache, 
  • blurred vision, 
  • pounding in neck or ears, 
  • loss of appetite, 
  • stomach pain (upper right side), 
  • flu-like symptoms, 
  • itching, 
  • dark urine, and
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Rare side effects of Labetalol include:

  • none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What Are Dosages of Labetalol?

Adult and pediatric dosage

Injectable solution

  • 5mg/mL

Tablet

  • 100mg
  • 200mg
  • 300mg

Hypertension 

Adult

  • 100 mg orally every 12 hours initially; increased by 100 mg every 12 hours every 2-3 days
  • Usual dose range: 200-400 mg orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 2400 mg/day

Hypertensive Emergency

Adult

  • 20 mg IV over 2 minutes initially, then 40-80 mg IV every 10 minutes; total dose not to exceed 300 mg
  • Alternative: 1-2 mg/min by continuous IV infusion; total dose of 300 mg has been used

Pediatric

  • 0.4-1 mg/kg/hr by continuous IV infusion; not to exceed 3 mg/kg/hr

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

  • See “Dosages.”

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