Labetalol Side Effects

Labetalol Side Effects

Advers effects of Labetalol are usually not so severe in nature, and resolve on their own. However, serious
side effects can occur occasionally, which highlights the importance of taking this medication with adequate
care and precaution. Know more about labetolol, its uses and side effects.

Labetalol is an adrenergic antagonist or adrenergic receptor blocking agent, that is primarily used in the
treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. It is given alone, and along with other medications to
lower blood pressure. It can block both the alpha and beta adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous
system, in order to lower blood pressure. It is usually available in 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg tablets, and
as injections. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration of United States in the year 1997.
Labetalol Uses
Labetalol is primarily used in the treatment of high blood pressure. Sometimes, it is also used in the
treatment of chronic hypertension caused by a type of adrenal tumor. As has been mentioned already, it is
an adrenergic receptor blocking medication. The nerves of the adrenergic nervous system secrete a chemical,
known as norepinephrine, which attaches with receptors of the arterial muscle, and induce their contraction,
causing an increase in blood pressure. It blocks these receptors, present in the muscles of the arteries to
prevent norepinephrine from attaching with them. This allows the arteries to expand, and consequently,
blood pressure to fall.
Labetalol Dangers
Like other medications, labetalol too have some side effects. However, all individuals are not likely to
experience its side effects. Again, most of the time, people experience only some minor side effects like
fatigue or weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and stuffy nose. Some people can also
experience, vomiting, numbness or a tingling sensation, irregular heartbeat and postural hypotension, which
is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, when a person stands up suddenly from a lying or
seated position. Another important side effect is impotency in men.
Some less common side effects include, heartburn or indigestion, shortness of breath, blurred vision, unusual
swelling of the face, legs and fingers, chills, dry eyes and erectile dysfunction in men. Apart from these,
some individuals can develop some rare, but serious side effects, such as, diarrhea, abdominal pain, scalp
numbness or tingling, excessive sweating, jaundice, liver problems, fever, sore throat, easy bruising,
persistent loss of appetite, dark yellow urine and difficulty while urinating. An overdose of the medication, on
the other hand is likely to cause chest pain, sweating, fainting or dizziness, and slow or irregular heartbeat.
Allergic reactions to labetalol are quite uncommon. But, if they occur, then one should immediately inform
his or her physician about it. Such allergic reactions can produce skin rash or hives, itching, and unusual
swelling, along with breathing difficulty. This hypertension medication is generally not prescribed for diabetes,
asthma, congestive heart failure patients. It is also not suggested for the individuals, who are taking calcium
channel blockers, and certain antidepressant medications.
Generally side effects of this medication are generally mild in nature, which go away on their own without
requiring any medical treatment. However, people with certain health conditions, like asthma, congestive
heart failure, etc., should not take this drug without consulting their physician. Even individuals who
previously experienced serious side effects to any other medication should talk to their physician before
taking labetalol. Again, people taking labetalol should not discontinue the medication abruptly, as it can lead

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Labetalol Side Effects

to some potentially serious conditions. Lastly, if you observe any of the symptoms, whether minor or major,
inform your physician immediately to prevent serious complications.
By Chandramita Bora

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