Labetalol

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD on May 21, 2023

This article describes labetalol’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options for labetalol.

Labetalol may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of labetalol and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about labetalol’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for labetalol.

* To view labetalol’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of labetalol are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of labetalol you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about labetalol’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for labetalol.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Labetalol oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• dizziness
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• nausea
• mild allergic reaction†

Labetalol liquid solution for injection’s mild side effects include:

• dizziness
• fatigue
• nausea or vomiting
• tingling of the scalp or skin
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view labetalol’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for labetalol” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of labetalol are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of labetalol you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about labetalol’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for labetalol.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, labetalol’s serious side effects include:

• breathing problems, such as shortness of breath
• heart failure
• liver damage
• orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, which may lead to dizziness or fainting)
• slow heart rate
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view labetalol’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for labetalol” section below.

The dosage of labetalol your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take or receive.

Taking or receiving labetalol

Labetalol oral tablet is taken by mouth, with or without food. It’s best to take it the same way each time.

Labetalol liquid solution for injection is given through a vein to people in the hospital. This form may be used to treat high blood pressure in an emergency.  

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take labetalol oral tablet. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Overdose of labetalol

You should not take more labetalol than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as labetalol for certain conditions. Approved uses for labetalol are described below.  

Use for high blood pressure

Doctors may prescribe labetalol oral tablet and liquid solution for injection into a vein to treat high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. Labetalol oral tablet is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. Labetalol liquid solution for injection is for use in a hospital.

Many people with high blood pressure don’t have symptoms. But if you have high blood pressure, you’re at risk of serious problems, including heart attack and stroke. These conditions can be fatal. Treating high blood pressure can help prevent life threatening complications.

Labetalol can be prescribed together with other high blood pressure medications, such as diuretics (water pills).

Doctors may not prescribe labetalol oral tablet and liquid solution for injection in certain situations. This includes to people with certain heart or lung problems.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about labetalol.

Is labetalol similar to metoprolol or carvedilol?

Labetalol is a beta-blocker. Several other drugs are beta-blockers, including metoprolol and carvedilol. Beta-blockers are a group of drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Some of them, including metoprolol and carvedilol, also treat certain heart problems.

Some brand-name drugs for metoprolol include:

• Kapspargo Sprinkle
• Lopressor
• Toprol XL

Some brand-name drugs for carvedilol include:

• Coreg
• Coreg CR

Beta-blocker drugs will have similar side effects and warnings. Their dosages will also be different.

If you’d like more information about different beta-blockers, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What do I do if my blood pressure is still high while taking labetalol?

If you check your blood pressure, and it’s still high while taking labetalol, tell your doctor. They can determine how best to adjust your treatment. This could involve taking a higher dose of labetalol, adding a drug, or changing to another drug. Don’t change your dosage of labetalol without talking with your doctor first.

How does labetalol work? And how long does it take to start working?

Labetalol works by relaxing your blood vessels. This helps your blood vessels widen and lowers the pressure inside them.

Labetalol oral tablet will start working within a couple of hours. Most people have steady levels of the drug by the third day of twice daily dosing. This is based on a half-life of 6 to 8 hours. (Half-life describes the time it takes for your body to clear half a dose of a drug.)

Labetalol liquid solution for injection into a vein will start working within 10 minutes.

To learn more about what to expect with labetalol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is labetalol used for anxiety?

Possibly. Doctors may prescribe a beta-blocker off-label for anxiety. (An off-label use is when a doctor prescribes a drug for a condition other than its approved uses).

Beta-blockers don’t treat the anxiety. But they can relieve some of its symptoms, such as a racing heart rate and shakiness. Other beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Hemangeol and Inderal LA) are more commonly used for anxiety.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to find out more about using beta-blockers for anxiety.

Can I take labetalol if I have asthma?

No, doctors usually do not prescribe beta-blockers, including labetalol, for asthma. Beta-blockers can cause your airways to narrow, which makes asthma worse. They can also interfere with asthma treatments.

If you have asthma, talk with your doctor about your options for treating high blood pressure.

Below, you’ll find information about labetalol’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of labetalol

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take labetalol, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for labetalol” section below.

Warnings for labetalol

Labetalol should not be taken or should be used cautiously by certain people.

Labetalol could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether labetalol is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for labetalol, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Labetalol can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to labetalol or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe labetalol. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to labetalol, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and labetalol

Information about labetalol and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Labetalol and pregnancy

It’s not known whether labetalol should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Labetalol and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether labetalol should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for labetalol by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for labetalol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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

This article describes labetalol’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about labetalol or would like more details about it.

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

• Are there alternative medications I could take to treat my condition?
• How does labetalol compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?
• Am I at a higher risk of side effects than others?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Labetalol HCl tablets. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0db22a64-1863-4188-850b-273ea746e327/spl-doc
• Labetalol hydrochloride injection, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/1b96ddc9-d0c3-488a-a113-66491fd3d899/spl-doc

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.