Labetalol: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Labetalol is a beta-blocker with additional alpha-blocking activity, used to lower blood pressure. It is most commonly prescribed for hypertension, either on its own or alongside another blood-pressure medicine such as a diuretic. Labetalol requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 1998-08-03.

Labetalol is indicated for the management of hypertension, also called high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other medicines that lower blood pressure, especially thiazide and loop diuretics. Lowering high blood pressure reduces strain on the heart and blood vessels.

Labetalol is also used in hospital settings in intravenous forms when a clinician needs to manage blood pressure through a vein. The medicine may not be suitable for people with asthma, overt heart failure, certain heart conduction problems, severe bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, or severe prolonged low blood pressure. A prescriber assesses whether labetalol is suitable based on medical history and other medicines.

The label lists oral tablets of 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg. It also lists intravenous injection strengths of 1 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL, including presentations of 100 mg/20 mL and 200 mg/40 mL. The usual starting dose is 100 mg twice daily.

The label lists increases of 100 mg twice daily every 2 or 3 days when adjustment is needed. The usual maintenance dosage is between 200 mg and 400 mg twice daily. The label lists 1,200 mg to 2,400 mg per day for some people with severe hypertension.

The label lists administration three times daily as a possible way to improve tolerability when side effects occur with twice-daily administration. The label lists a maximum titration increment of 200 mg twice daily. Dosage is individualised, and elderly people may achieve control with a lower maintenance dosage.

Labetalol belongs to the beta-blocker group and also blocks alpha receptors. Beta-blockade slows the heart rate and reduces how strongly the heart pumps. It also reduces the release of signals that can raise blood pressure.

Alpha-blockade relaxes some blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through them more easily. These combined actions lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.

The medicine can also reduce the body's usual fast-heart-rate response to some blood-pressure changes. Because beta-blockade can affect the airways, heart rate, circulation, and warning signs of low blood sugar, medical supervision is needed, particularly for people with asthma, heart conditions, or diabetes.

The label states that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Labetalol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Low blood pressure, slow heart rate, low blood sugar, and breathing depression have been reported in infants of mothers treated with labetalol for hypertension during pregnancy. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

A missed dose can reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect. General pharmacy advice is to follow the prescriber's instructions or the product leaflet when a dose is missed. A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose.

Regular treatment matters because abrupt interruption of long-term beta-blocker therapy can worsen heart-related problems, particularly in people with ischaemic heart disease. Advice from a pharmacist or prescriber is appropriate if missed doses happen repeatedly.

Labetalol hydrochloride tablets should be stored at 20° to 25°C and protected from light and moisture in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children. Storage conditions for intravenous products should follow the dispensing label and professional instructions.