Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Labetalol.
Breathing conditions: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems should avoid taking a beta-blocker such as labetalol, as this group of medications can cause breathing difficulty. If you have breathing problems and your doctor has prescribed labetalol for you, it may be at a lower dose, and your doctor will monitor you regularly while you are taking Labetalol. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Labetalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Labetalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking labetalol. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that work by reducing the blood sugar, discuss with your doctor how Labetalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Labetalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dizziness: Move slowly when moving from a lying down or sitting position to a standing position as dizziness may occur, especially when Labetalol is first being started.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes have been reported with the use of Labetalol.
Heart disease: Beta-blockers, such as labetalol, can worsen existing heart failure. It is important to take labetalol exactly as prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chance of this happening. If you have a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Labetalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Labetalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hyperthyroidism (high level of Thyroid hormones): Labetalol may reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and give a false impression of improvement. Stopping labetalol suddenly could cause hyperthyroidism to become worse. If you have a history of thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how Labetalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Labetalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Labetalol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Labetalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Labetalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Labetalol.
Rarely, liver injury has been reported with the use of Labetalol. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Pheochromocytoma: Although labetalol is used to treat the high blood pressure that is a symptom of pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland), it has been known to worsen the symptoms it is supposed to be treating. If you have a pheochromocytoma, discuss with your doctor how Labetalol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Labetalol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe), discuss with your doctor what to do if you have an allergic reaction. Labetalol, like other beta-blockers, may make it more difficult to treat severe allergic reactions with Epinephrine.
Skin conditions: Various skin rashes have been reported with the use of Labetalol.
Stopping the medication: Labetalol should not be stopped suddenly. People with heart disease who stop taking Labetalol abruptly may experience serious effects, such as severe worsening of Angina, Heart Attack, or abnormal heart rhythms. If you have heart disease, do not stop taking Labetalol without checking with your doctor first. When this medication needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all health care professionals involved in your care that you are taking labetalol.
Pregnancy: Labetalol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risk. If you become pregnant while taking Labetalol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Labetalol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking labetalol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of labetalol and may require lower doses.
