
Precautions
Monitoring esophageal Doppler hemodynamics confirms and underscores the fact that labetalol’s stronger beta-1 blocking decreases heart rate and contractility preferentially. We have seen profound effects on contractility with this drug, including frequent decreases in aortic peak velocities by 50% and greater.
Does labetalol lower heart rate?
Labetalol starts to work within 2 hours, but it can take a few days to take full effect. You may not feel any different when you take labetalol, but this doesn't mean it's not working. How long does labetalol last?
Does labetalol work immediately?
Labetalol works on both alpha and beta receptors in the heart to lower blood pressure and slow heart rate. Its alpha blockade action prevents epinephrine and norepinephrine from interacting with alpha receptors which decreases vascular resistance, increases vasodilation, and decreases blood pressure overall.
Does labetalol lower HR?
Labetalol is an alpha and beta blocker medication. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels (by blocking alpha receptors) and slowing heart rate (by blocking beta receptors). What is labetalol used for? The typical dose for labetalol is 200-400 mg twice a day. Does labetalol work immediately?
Is labetalol a beta blocker?
See more
How long does it take for labetalol to work?
Labetalol is metabolized by the liver resulting in an inactive glucuronide conjugate. It has an onset of action within 2 to 5 minutes, reaches its peak effects at 5 to 15 minutes, has an elimination half-life of 5.5 hours, and a duration of action up to four hours.
How fast does labetalol lower blood pressure?
Labetalol starts to work within 2 hours, but it can take a few days to take full effect.
Does labetalol lower heart rate?
Labetalol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
What time of day should I take labetalol?
Labetalol is usually taken twice a day; in the morning and evening. Hypertension with or without angina: the starting dose is 100 mg twice daily, increased every 2 weeks by 100 mg twice a day until your blood pressure is controlled.
How much does labetalol 200 mg lower blood pressure?
3 Within 24 h of initial administration, 200 mg three times daily produced a significant reduction in ambulant arterial levels of systolic pressure for 21 h and diastolic pressure for 14 h in the day.
Does labetalol make you tired?
Labetalol oral tablet may cause drowsiness. It can also cause other side effects.
When should I hold my labetalol heart rate?
Hold the medication if HR < 60/min or > 120/min. DO NOT SIMPLY CHART THE HEART RATE AND LEAVE YOUR PATIENT! Ask the patient how s/he is feeling (e.g., lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, dyspnea). Assess other vital signs like blood pressure and respirations.
How long does labetalol last?
When administered intravenously it has a rapid onset of action (2 to 5 minutes), with peak hypotensive effect occurring within 5 to 10 minutes and the effect lasting 2 to 4 hours. The drug is metabolized primarily by the liver and has a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 5 hours.
Does labetalol make you gain weight?
Labetalol may cause heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort; dilated neck veins; extreme fatigue; irregular breathing; an irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs; weight gain; or wheezing .
Can I take labetalol 3 times a day?
Adults and children aged 11 years and over usually take labetalol twice a day. If you're on a high dose, you may need to take it 3 or 4 times a day. Younger children usually take labetalol 3 or 4 times a day.
What does labetalol do to the body?
This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .
What are the most common side effects of labetalol?
Common side effectsFeeling sleepy, dizzy or weak. If labetalol makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. ... Headaches. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. ... Cold fingers or toes. ... Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting) ... Diarrhoea. ... Stomach pain.
How many times a day can you take labetalol?
Adults and children aged 11 years and over usually take labetalol twice a day. If you're on a high dose, you may need to take it 3 or 4 times a day. Younger children usually take labetalol 3 or 4 times a day.
When should I hold my labetalol heart rate?
Hold the medication if HR < 60/min or > 120/min. DO NOT SIMPLY CHART THE HEART RATE AND LEAVE YOUR PATIENT! Ask the patient how s/he is feeling (e.g., lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, dyspnea). Assess other vital signs like blood pressure and respirations.
What are the most common side effects of labetalol?
Common side effectsFeeling sleepy, dizzy or weak. If labetalol makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. ... Headaches. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. ... Cold fingers or toes. ... Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting) ... Diarrhoea. ... Stomach pain.
What is the most popular medication for high blood pressure?
the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) tops the list, followed by amlodipine besylate (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, and. generic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take labetalol if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); 2. a serious he...
How Should I Take Labetalol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use t...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 8 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, extreme dizziness, o...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Labetalol?
Labetalol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast fr...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Labetalol?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: 1. cimetidine; 2. nitroglycerin; 3. insulin or oral...
How should I use labetalol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
How long do you need to stay down after a labetalol injection?
A healthcare provider will give you this injection. After receiving a labetalol injection, you may need to remain lying down for up to 3 hours. You may feel light-headed when you first stand up.
What is labetalol?
Labetalol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension ( high blood pressure ). Labetalol oral is sometimes given with other blood pressure medications.
What are the side effects of lupetalol?
Labetalol side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out ;
Can labetalol harm a baby?
It is not known whether labetalol will harm an unborn baby. Labetalol may cause low blood pressure, low blood sugar, slow heartbeats, or breathing problems in a newborn if the mother uses labetalol during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Can you drive with labetalol?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how labetalol will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Can you take labetalol twice at once?
Labetalol oral: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Because you will receive labetalol injection in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
How long does it take for a lbetalol to work?
Labetalol is metabolized by the liver resulting in an inactive glucuronide conjugate. It has an onset of action within 2 to 5 minutes, reaches its peak effects at 5 to 15 minutes, has an elimination half-life of 5.5 hours, and a duration of action up to four hours.
What is labetalol used for?
As labetalol is typically used to treat acute hypertension, whether it presents in the emergency department or an outpatient clinic, an interprofessional team approach and effective communication are essential for quality patient care. This interprofessional team can include specialists, other clinicians (MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs), nursing staff, and pharmacists. In the emergency department, swift intake and triage by the nurse or medical technician to identify a patient with dangerously elevated blood pressure and quickly but effectively convey the critical information to a physician or provider are necessary. If hospital admission is warranted, communicating the crucial details of the patient's presentation, medical history, and the treatment and current medical workup that have been completed are important, so time and resources are not wasted on repeating tests and exams. Utilizing an interprofessional team methodology that employs open communication between all team members and coordinated activity will improve patient outcomes and fewer adverse effects, particularly in hypertensive emergencies. [Level 5]
What is intravenous labetalol used for?
Intravenous labetalol in the treatment of severe hypertension and hypertensive emergencies.
Is labetalol safe for hypotension?
Overall, labetalol is usually well tolerated. Most adverse effects are typically mild and transient. As previously described above, symptomatic postural hypotension is a potential occurrence if patients are tilted or allowed to change positions from the supine or seated position to standing too quickly. This is especially important in the post-operative period (PACU or the ward) when managing a hypertensive patient with labetalol who can otherwise ambulate to the bathroom. Increased sweating, as well as flushing, have been reported with the use of labetalol. It seems the incidence of adverse reactions after administering labetalol seems to be dose-dependent. [6]
What is the best treatment for a beta blocker overdose?
Supportive care and close monitoring are the staples of treatment for an overdose of beta-blockers with the addition of glucagon for severe refractory hypotension and bradycardia.
Is labetalol FDA approved?
The FDA-approved indication for labetalol is the treatment of arterial hypertension, which ranges from acute hypertensive crises (urgent/emergency) to stable chronic hypertension. Labetalol in clinical practice has several common off-label uses that include acute hypertension in pregnancy and hypertension associated with acute ischemic stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage, including subarachnoid hemorrhage. Today, labetalol is usually reserved for the acute management of hypertensive crises.
Can beta blockers cause claudication?
As with all beta-blockers, labetalol has negative inotropic effects and has the potential to cause acute left ventricular failure if given in sufficiently large enough doses to those patients who have impaired function of the left ventricle. All beta-blockers can exacerbate intermittent claudication and Raynaud phenomenon in patients with coexisting peripheral vascular disease. Another important consideration for anesthesia providers in the perioperative period is that non-selective beta-blockers that interact with beat receptors can result in bronchospasm in patients with a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to antagonism of beta receptors. Sudden withdrawal of beta-blockers can result in increased sensitivity to catecholamines. This upregulation can lead to tachyarrhythmias, acute hypertensive crises, and palpitations, although this is more common with chronic use. [7]
How does Labetalol work?
Labetalol oral tablet works by causing your heart to beat more slowly and with less force. This lowers your blood pressure.
What is the purpose of a labetalol?
Labetalol oral tablet is used to reduce high blood pressure. This lowers your risk of complications from high blood pressure, such as heart attack and stroke.
Is Labetalol a prescription drug?
Labetalol is a prescription drug. It comes in two forms: oral tablet and intravenous (IV) injection. The injection is only given by a healthcare provider.
Is lbetalol a generic drug?
Labetalol oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Trandate.
Can you take Labetalol with other medications?
Labetalol oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Does labetalol cause tremors?
Taking labetalol with a tricyclic antidepressant may increase your risk of tremors. Examples of these drugs include:
Is Labetalol safe to take?
Labetalol oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
How long does it take for labetalol to work?
Labetalol starts to work within 2 hours, but it can take a few days to take full effect. You may not feel any different when you take labetalol, but this doesn't mean it's not working.
What is labetalol?
Labetalol is an alpha and beta blocker medication. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels (by blocking alpha receptors) and slowing heart rate (by blocking beta receptors).
What are the risks and warnings for labetalol?
Labetalol can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options
What are alternatives to labetalol?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of labetalol. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
What happens if you stop taking labetalol?
Drop in heart rate or other heart rhythm problems. Worsening chest pain and even a heart attack could occur if you suddenly stop taking labetalol. The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication.
Can you take labetalol if you have heart problems?
If you stop taking labetalol abruptly, you may have chest pain or you could have a heart attack. To avoid side effects, you'll want to stop taking slowly under your doctor's direction. Labetalol can cause a false-positive urine test result for amphetamines.
Can labetalol cause heart failure?
Worsening symptoms of heart failure, like more swelling in your arms and legs, can happen if your doctor decides to raise your dose of labetalol. Your doctor can work with you to lower these effects.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
How long does labetalol last?
The onset of action is observed within 2 to 15 minutes after IV administration of labetalol and may last for about 2 to 6 hours. The longer duration of action and variability in pharmacokinetics may make labetalol extremely difficult to titrate as a continuous infusion.
How long does it take for labetalol to be eliminated?
Labetalol has a maximal onset time of 20 minutes and no active metabolites, and the elimination half-life is approximately 6 hours.
What is a bolus of lbetalol?
Labetalol is a combined α and β-blocker that can be given as a continuous infusion or as an IV bolus . It lowers systemic vascular resistance with minimal effect on CO.123 It provides nonselective β-adrenergic blockade, which reduces reflex tachycardia and increased cardiac contractility that may be seen with vasodilators. β 2 -Adrenergic blockade would increase SVR, but this effect is counterbalanced by α-adrenergic blockade, which is selective for the α 1 -receptor, resulting in vasodilation. The α-to-β blocking ratio of the oral preparation is 1:3, whereas it is 1:7 for the IV form. 97 Labetalol is therefore most useful in situations where HTN is produced by excessive sympathetic nervous system activity. Labetalol has an onset of action of 2 to 5 minutes with a peak at 5 to 15 minutes, and it can last up to 4 hours. It is metabolized in the liver through glucuronide conjugation and excreted in the urine, bile, and stool. 124
What is labetalol used for?
Labetalol is a combined α- and β-adrenergic receptor blocker that currently is approved for both oral and intravenous use in the treatment of hypertension. Labetalol lowers blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance by α1 -blockade and at the same time counteracts the reflex tachycardia from vasodilation through its β-blocker effect. 28,29 Labetalol reduces peripheral vascular resistance while maintaining cerebral, renal, and coronary blood flow. Unlike other β-blockers, labetalol does not reduce cardiac output. When administered intravenously it has a rapid onset of action (2 to 5 minutes), with peak hypotensive effect occurring within 5 to 10 minutes and the effect lasting 2 to 4 hours. 30 The drug is metabolized primarily by the liver and has a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 5 hours. 28
What are the adverse effects of labetalol?
Most adverse effects of labetalol are manifestations of the combined beta and alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade or its intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Orthostatic hypotension is a common adverse effect. Other adverse cardiovascular effects include bradycardia/tachycardia, arrhythmias, cold extremities, heart failure, and edema.
Is labetalol bad for asthma?
Adverse effects of labetalol include orthostatic hypotension, bronchospasm (the drug should be avoided in asthma patients), heart failure, and significant bradycardia (it should be avoided in the presence of sinus bradycardia or heart block greater than first degree).
Is lbetalol adrenergic?
Labetalol is used preferentially in cases in which mixed adrenergic antagonism is desirable, including treatment of aortic dissection, and in situations of catecholamine excess, such as pheochro mocytoma, rebound hyper tension secondary to clonidine withdrawal, and crack coca ine overdos e. 91 Labetalol is also widely used as the primary alternative to nitroprusside for treatment of other types of hypertensive crisis. Because of its β-blocking properties, labetalol is contraindicated in patients with decompensated heart failure, reactive airway disease, and heart block.

How It Works
Labetalol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
May Treat: Hypertension
Brand Names: Normodyne · Trandate
Drug Class: Alpha-Beta Blockers
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Hypertension
Brand Names: Normodyne · Trandate
Drug Class: Alpha-Beta Blockers
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Upsides
Bottom Line
Tips
Response and Effectiveness
Interactions
- Used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
- The injectable form of labetalol is only used to treat severe hypertension.
- Only mildly slows heart rate.
- Blunts the increase in blood pressure and heart rate that occurs during exercise without affecting how well the lungs are perfused with blood.
Further Information
- Labetalol works on both alpha and beta receptors in the heart to lower blood pressure. Heart rate is only mildly affected, and dizziness may be reported when going from a sitting or lying down position to standing.