Labetalol

Before taking labetalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart failure, slow heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), kidney disease, liver disease, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), mental/mood disorders (such as depression), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while using this drug, especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, make sure children eat regularly. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, shaking), tell the doctor right away.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including dizziness and lightheadedness. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

Labetalol has been used to treat high blood pressure in pregnant women. It is important to control high blood pressure for the health of the mother and unborn baby. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. Rarely, babies born to mothers who took labetalol during pregnancy may have symptoms of low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, and low blood sugar (such as shaking, unusual sweating) for a few days after delivery. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This medication passes into breast milk, and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.