Labetalol - oral

Labetalol is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control.

Take Labetalol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take Labetalol immediately after meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Labetalol must be taken regularly for it to work well. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- other heart diseases e.g. slow or irregular heartbeats, heart block, heart failure
- asthma
as Labetalol may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- thyroid disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- muscle weakness
- history of mental illness
- phaeochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that is caused by itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, always inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Labetalol.

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.

If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.

Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.

Labetalol may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: tiredness, nausea and tingling of the scalp.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience low blood pressure or shaking or jerking movements.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, verapamil
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. indomethacin, ibuprofen
- cimetidine (a gastric medicine)
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. phenelzine, fluoxetine

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Labetalol.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.