Labetalol is a blood pressure medicine that blocks both beta and alpha receptors. That combination lowers heart rate and widens blood vessels, so your blood pressure drops. Doctors often choose it for chronic high blood pressure and for high readings in pregnancy because it works fast and is generally well tolerated.
People take labetalol by mouth for everyday control of hypertension. A usual starting dose for adults is around 100 mg twice a day, with gradual increases based on response. Some people need 200–400 mg twice daily; healthcare teams rarely push past about 2,400 mg a day. In hospitals, labetalol can be given intravenously for sudden severe hypertension—doctors give small boluses or a controlled infusion so blood pressure comes down safely.
Every person is different. Your doctor will pick a dose based on how low they need your blood pressure to go, other medicines you take, and any medical conditions you have.
The most common side effects are dizziness, tiredness, slow heartbeat, and lightheadedness when standing up. Because labetalol slows the heart and tightens airways a bit, it can trigger breathing problems in people with asthma or severe COPD. It can also hide low blood sugar signs in people with diabetes, so check glucose regularly if that applies to you.
Serious but rare problems include very low blood pressure, severe slow heart rate, or liver issues. If you notice yellowing of skin, dark urine, fainting, or chest pain, get medical help right away.
Don’t stop labetalol suddenly. Stopping quickly can raise blood pressure and cause chest pain or fast heartbeats. If you need to stop, your doctor will taper the dose over days to weeks.
Tell your provider about other meds you take. Combining labetalol with calcium channel blockers like verapamil or with some antiarrhythmics can cause dangerous slow heart rate. Also mention antidepressants or medicines for erectile dysfunction—some interactions matter for blood pressure and heart rate.
For pregnant people, labetalol is a common choice for treating high blood pressure and preeclampsia in many clinics. It’s preferred over some alternatives because of a good balance of effectiveness and safety, but your obstetrician will choose the best option for you and the baby.
Monitoring is simple: check blood pressure and pulse regularly, and have periodic blood tests if your doctor asks. If you have lung disease, heart failure, diabetes, or liver problems, expect closer follow-up. Questions about side effects, dose changes, or pregnancy use? Bring them up at your next visit—your care team should explain why labetalol was chosen and what to expect while taking it.
Unravel Trandate (labetalol) for treating high blood pressure. Learn real-life uses, smart safety tips, side effects, and answers to common FAQs. Written with a human touch.
