Labetalol
Labetalol is an alpha and beta blocker for high blood pressure, sold here as Trandate tablets in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg strengths.
What labetalol does
Labetalol is a tablet medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension). It works on two sets of receptors at once. It relaxes alpha receptors on the walls of blood vessels, so the vessels widen, and it blocks beta receptors in the heart, so the heart beats more slowly and with less force. The combined effect lowers the pressure inside the arteries. Labetalol can be used on its own or with other blood pressure medicines, and it is also used to control high blood pressure in pregnancy.
How to take labetalol tablets
The usual pattern is one tablet twice a day, morning and evening. Take it at the same times each day, before or after meals. Swallow the tablet with water. If you forget a dose and the next one is due soon, skip the missed tablet and carry on as usual rather than taking two together. Stopping labetalol suddenly can make blood pressure rise quickly, so the dose is usually reduced over time when it is no longer needed.
Side effects to expect
Dizziness and tiredness are common at the start, particularly when you stand up. Some people get a headache, nausea, a blocked nose or a tingling feeling on the scalp. These effects often ease as the body adjusts. A very slow heartbeat, fainting, unusual shortness of breath or swelling of the ankles are signs the dose may be too high. Labetalol can worsen asthma or other long-term lung conditions. It is not usually used by people with asthma, a very slow heart rate or certain heart rhythm problems.
Interactions worth knowing
Other blood pressure medicines, some heart medicines such as verapamil and diltiazem, and decongestants in cold and flu remedies can add to labetalol's effects or work against it. If you take insulin or diabetes tablets, labetalol can make the shaky, pounding feelings of low blood sugar harder to notice. Alcohol can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further.
Trandate tablets and strengths
Labetalol is sold here as Trandate tablets in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg strengths. The range lets the dose be built up or adjusted without changing medicine. Keep the tablets in their blister pack in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. For other medicines used in high blood pressure, see the heart and blood pressure category.
Sources
- Labetalol: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- High blood pressure - NHS — NHS
Is Labetalol available to order in Hong Kong?
Labetalol can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The version here is generic Trandate in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablets. If a parcel does not arrive within the delivery window, or arrives damaged, it is sent again free, and if that is not possible the order is refunded.
What is the price of Labetalol?
The price depends on the strength and pack size you choose. The Trandate page shows current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Labetalol?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order labetalol. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What is another name for labetalol?
Normodyne and Trandate are brand names of labetalol. Here, labetalol can be bought online as generic Trandate. These are generics, not the original brand.
Can I drink alcohol with labetalol?
Alcohol can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect and make dizziness more likely, especially when you stand up. If you drink, keep to small amounts and take your time standing. The effect is usually worse at the start of treatment or after a dose increase.
What is the difference between labetalol and other beta blockers?
Labetalol blocks alpha receptors as well as beta receptors. Common beta blockers such as atenolol or bisoprolol mainly block beta receptors. The extra alpha action widens blood vessels, which helps lower pressure from two directions, and is why labetalol is often used for high blood pressure in pregnancy.
Can I stop taking labetalol if my blood pressure is normal?
No. Readings can look normal because the tablets are doing their job. Stopping suddenly can make blood pressure rise quickly, so the dose is usually reduced gradually instead. Keep taking the tablets as arranged, even on days when you feel fine.
How should I store labetalol tablets?
Keep them in the original blister pack in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Do not leave them in a hot car, and do not move them into a weekly pill box for long periods, where moisture can get in. Check the expiry date before use.
Is Trandate the same as labetalol?
Trandate is a brand name for labetalol, so the active ingredient is the same. The tablets sold here come in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg strengths.