Labetalol is used to reduce blood pressure. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Labetalol belongs to a group of medications known as beta-blockers. 

These medications are used in the treatment of different heart conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and chest pain or discomfort (also known as angina).

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. 
• You should take this medication with or after food.
• If you have been taking this medication regularly for several weeks or more, do not stop this medication suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. Stopping your medication suddenly may worsen your condition. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:  

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication. 
• You have liver problems. 
• You have asthma or other breathing problems – this medication may worsen or cause an asthma attack. 
• You have pre-diabetes or diabetes - this medication may hide symptoms of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat or tremors. You may need to check your blood sugar more often.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Some side effects may include: 

• Nausea
  •  Take Labetalol after food to minimise this side effect. 
• Dizziness and light-headedness 
• This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy. 
• Coldness, numbness or tingling feeling of your fingers or toes 
• Feeling weak and tired, and that your heart beats slower 
• Shortness of breath 
• Problems with sexual intercourse 

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:  

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue 
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

This medication may interact with other medications.

Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with Labetalol.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Throw away all expired medications. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information. 

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information. 

Last updated on April 2025