Labeta 100

Generic

Labetalol Hydrochloride

 

Indications

Labetalol Hydrochloride is a drug that is used to treat hypertension. Labetalol tablets can be taken on their own or in combination with other antihypertensive medications, such as thiazide and loop diuretics.

 

Pharmacology

Labetalol antagonizes beta-adrenergic receptors in a non-selective manner while preferentially antagonizing alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. Labetalol has three times the beta-blocking effectiveness of alpha-blockers after oral treatment. Following intravenous injection, this increases to 6.9 times. Vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance result from antagonistic alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. This causes a drop in blood pressure, which is most noticeable while standing. The antagonistic effects of beta-1-adrenergic receptors cause a small reduction in heart rate. Some of the negative effects of labetalol, such as bronchospasms, are caused by antagonistic beta-2-adrenergic receptors.

 

Dosage & Administration

Adult: The recommended initial dosage is 100 mg twice daily whether used alone or added to a diuretic regimen. The usual maintenance dosage of Labetalol Hydrochloride is between 200 and 400 mg twice daily.

Patients with severe hypertension: May require from 1,200 to 2,400 mg per day, with or without thiazide diuretics. Titration increments should not exceed 200 mg twice daily.

Elderly Patients: The majority of elderly patients will require between 100 and 200 mg twice daily.

 

Interaction

Labetalol may produce tremor when used with tricyclic antidepressants; Cimetidine has been proven to increase Labetalol absorption. Additional antihypertensive effects may occur when Labetalol is used with nitroglycerin in patients with angina pectoris. If Labetalol is administered with calcium antagonists of the verapamil type, caution should be exercised. Beta-blockers and digitalis glycosides both delay atrioventricular conduction and lower heart rate. Concurrent use can put you at risk for bradycardia.

 

Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and transient and occur early in the course of treatment. The incidences of adverse reactions include Fatigue, Asthenia, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Dyspepsia, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Taste distortion, Dizziness, Paresthesia, Nasal stuffiness, Increased sweating, Edema, Postural hypotension, Bradycardia, Dyspnea, Rash, Vision abnormality and Vertigo.

 

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Classification C. Labetalol has been tested for teratogenicity in rats and rabbits at oral dosages up to six and four times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. There was no evidence of prenatal abnormalities that could be replicated. Labetalol Hydrochloride did not appear to impact the normal course of labor and delivery in pregnant women with hypertension. Labetalol is excreted in small levels in human milk (about 0.004% of the maternal dosage). When giving Labetalol tablets to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, use caution.

 

Precautions & Warnings

In individuals with Impaired Hepatic Function, Congestive Heart Failure, Exacerbation of Ischemic Heart Disease, Nonallergic Bronchospasm, Pheochromocytoma, Diabetes Mellitus, and Hypoglycemia, Labetalol Hydrochloride should be used with caution.

 

Therapeutic Class

Alpha adrenoceptor blocking drugs, Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs

 

Storage Conditions

Labetalol tablets should be kept at a temperature below 30°C. Keep out of children's reach. Store in a cold, dry, and light-protected location.

 

Pharmaceutical Name

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.