Labetalol oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Overview

This article describes labetalol oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for labetalol. If you want to know more about labetalol oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, its side effects, and more.

Labetalol oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Trandate. Labetalol also comes as a liquid solution for injection by a healthcare professional. But that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

Form and strengths of labetalol

Labetalol oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: tablet that you swallow
• Strengths: 100 milligrams (mg), 200 mg, 300 mg

Dosage of labetalol

This article describes the recommended dosages for labetalol oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of labetalol oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of labetalol in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of labetalol oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of labetalol oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for high blood pressure

Labetalol is approved to treat high blood pressure in adults. Doctors may prescribe it alone or together with another medication. Your dosage will depend on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to labetalol.

The dosages below are in milligrams (mg).

• Starting dosage: 100 mg two times per day
• Initial dosage adjustments: If your blood pressure isn’t managed at 100 mg two times per day, your doctor may increase your dosage. If so, they’ll increase it by 100 mg every 2 or 3 days until the right dosage is reached.
• Maintenance dosage: 200 mg to 400 mg twice per day
• Maximum dosage: 2,400 mg per day, divided into doses taken two or three times per day

Dosage adjustments for labetalol

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of labetalol oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

• the severity of your condition
• your age
• other medications you may be taking

For some older adults ages 65 years and older, labetalol may take longer to clear from the body. They also may be more likely to have certain side effects of labetalol. Examples are low blood pressure, dizziness, or lightheadedness. For older adults, the recommended dosage range is 100–200 mg two times per day.

Missed dose of labetalol

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of labetalol oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of labetalol oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

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Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about labetalol oral tablet and its dosage.

What is the maximum dosage of labetalol during pregnancy?

Labetalol is recommended for use during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks of the medication. If you’re pregnant and have high blood pressure, your doctor may discuss labetalol treatment for your blood pressure.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends labetalol to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy. The maximum dosage ACOG recommends is 2,400 milligrams (mg) per day divided into two doses.

Note: Labetalol is not recommended for use in pregnant people who have heart problems or breathing problems such as asthma.

If you have questions about labetalol’s dosage during pregnancy, talk with your doctor.

Is labetalol taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe labetalol oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take labetalol oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How labetalol is taken

You’ll swallow labetalol oral tablet, typically two times per day. You can take the medication with or without food.

The drugmaker doesn’t state whether the tablet can be chewed, split, or crushed. For this reason, it’s recommended to swallow the tablets whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Labetalol coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for labetalol when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of labetalol

It’s important that you do not take more labetalol oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of labetalol overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• very low blood pressure
• slow heart rate
• seizures
• difficulty breathing

What to do if you take too much labetalol

If you think you’ve taken too much labetalol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for labetalol oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of labetalol oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take labetalol oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my dosage of labetalol oral tablet affect the cost of the medication?
• Will I need a new prescription if my dosage of labetalol oral tablet is changed?
• If I’m taking the maximum dosage of labetalol oral tablet, will my risk of side effects increase?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.