Labetalol 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 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.