- Increased risk of hypotension
Tricyclic antidepressants - Increased risk of tremors
Calcium channel blockers - Increased risk of bradycardia and heart block
Sodium bicarbonate 5% and alkaline solutions If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Your dose may need to be adjusted, substituted with another drug, or discontinue using the drug.
Does food or alcohol interact with labetalol?
There are no notable interactions with food. Labetalol is best taken with meals. This drug should not be taken with alcohol as it may increase the severity of hypotension.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding food-drug interactions.
What health conditions may interact with labetalol?
This drug should be taken with caution if you have any of the following conditions or risk factors:
- Active bronchial asthma
- 2nd or 3rd-degree heart block
- Cardiogenic shock
- Prolonged or severe hypotension
- Uncompensated heart failure
- Severe bradycardia
- Pheochromocytoma
- Diabetes mellitus
- Candidate for surgery with general anesthesia
- Hepatic impairment
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding specific health conditions.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before using labetalol.
What is the dose of labetalol for an adult?
For hypertension
- Initial dose: Take 100 mg 2 times a day. Increased to 200 to 400 mg 2 times a day, depending on the response.
- Dose adjustment for elderly patients: Start with 50 to 100 mg 2 times a day. Maintenance: 100 to 200 mg 2 times a day.
- Maximum dose: 2.4 g per day in 2 to 4 divided doses.
For hypertension in pregnancy
- Start at an infusion rate of 20 mg/hour, doubling the rate every 30 minutes until the desired response is achieved.
- Maximum infusion rate: 160 mg/hour
For emergency treatment of hypertension
- Administer 20 mg via slow IV injection for at least 2 minutes, followed by 40 to 80 mg dose every 10 minutes, going up to 300 mg if necessary.
- Note: The patient should remain supine during and 3 hours after the procedure.
For hypotensive anesthesia
- Administer 10 to 20 mg then increase at 5 to 10 mg increments if the desired degree of hypotension is not achieved after 5 minutes. Administer higher initial doses if halothane anesthesia is not used.
What is the dose of labetalol for a child?
This drug is not recommended for use in children and the recommended dose has not been established. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for alternatives and more information.
How is labetalol available?
This drug is available in the following brands, dosage forms, and strengths:
- Abetol oral tablets 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg
- Entraver solution for injection 5 mg/mL
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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