Labetalol

In Aotearoa New Zealand labetalol is available as tablets (100 mg and 200 mg) or injection, which is used in the hospital.

• The usual dose of labetalol tablets is 100 mg to 200 milligrams two times a day.
• Your doctor will start you on a lower dose and increase your dose if needed, up to a maximum of 2400 mg daily. 
• Always take your labetalol exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much labetalol to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing: Swallow your labetalol tablets with a glass of water. Labetalol is best taken with food. Take your labetalol doses at the same times each day.
• Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
• Keep taking labetalol regularly. Do not stop taking labetalol suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

Here are some things to know when you're taking labetalol. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Avoid alcohol while you are taking labetalol, especially when you first start treatment. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness.
• Labetalol can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking including over the counter medicines, herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs.

If you have diabetes

• If you have diabetes, labetalol may cause changes in your blood glucose level. This effect usually settles with time.
• Beta-blockers may reduce the warning signs of a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia – often called a hypo). For example, you may not have the feeling of fast, irregular or strong heartbeats (palpitations) or tremor, which can occur when your blood glucose is going too low.
• If you are worried about this, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your beta-blocker without checking with your doctor first. Read more about hypoglycaemia.

If you have asthma

• If you have asthma, taking a beta blocker may trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse. Not everybody with asthma is sensitive to these medicines.
• If you are worried about this, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine or increase the dose of your asthma preventer medication.
• Do not suddenly stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor first. This can be dangerous and make you feel unwell. Read more about medicines that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Like all medicines, labetalol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.