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Labetalol Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Labetalol Hydrochloride is a combined alpha-1 and non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent used for the following indications: Essential hypertension (FDA-approved and more.

Forms:TabletIV Injection

About Labetalol Hydrochloride

Indications of Labetalol Hydrochloride

Labetalol Hydrochloride is a combined alpha-1 and non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent used for the following indications:

  • Essential hypertension (FDA-approved, established use): Labetalol Hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the management of hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents such as thiazide diuretics.
  • Hypertensive emergencies and severe hypertension (FDA-approved, IV form): Intravenous Labetalol Hydrochloride is indicated for the management of severe hypertension when rapid, controlled reduction of blood pressure is required.
  • Hypertension in pregnancy (guideline-supported use): Labetalol Hydrochloride is widely used and often preferred among antihypertensives in pregnancy (including pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension) because of its comparatively well-established safety profile in this setting; use should still be guided by an obstetric physician.
  • Perioperative and hypotensive anesthesia support (adjunct/off-label use): Intravenous Labetalol Hydrochloride is sometimes used to control blood pressure during anesthesia or surgery, and as an adjunct in controlled hypotension techniques.

Use of Labetalol Hydrochloride for any indication should be individualized and supervised by a qualified physician.

Dosage & Administration of Labetalol Hydrochloride

Adult Oral Dosage (Chronic Hypertension)

RegimenDose
Initial dose100 mg twice daily, alone or added to existing diuretic therapy
TitrationIncrease by 100 mg twice daily every 2-3 days as needed and tolerated
Usual maintenance dose200-400 mg twice daily
Severe hypertensionUp to 1,200-2,400 mg/day in divided doses in some patients, under close supervision
Elderly patientsMay respond to lower doses (e.g., 100-200 mg twice daily); titrate cautiously

Intravenous Dosage (Hypertensive Emergency, Hospital Setting Only)

MethodDose
Slow IV injection20 mg given slowly over 2 minutes; repeat doses of 40-80 mg at 10-minute intervals as needed, up to a total cumulative dose of 300 mg
Continuous IV infusionInitiate at 1-2 mg/minute, titrated to blood pressure response; total dose generally 50-200 mg
Hypertension in pregnancy (specialist-directed)Lower initial infusion rates (e.g., around 20 mg/hour) titrated carefully under obstetric/critical-care supervision

Patients should transition from IV to oral Labetalol Hydrochloride as blood pressure stabilizes, under medical supervision. Labetalol Hydrochloride should always be administered exactly as prescribed; do not adjust the dose or stop treatment without consulting a physician.

Renal impairment: No specific dose adjustment is well-established; Labetalol Hydrochloride may be used with routine monitoring since it is primarily hepatically metabolized.

Hepatic impairment: Use with caution and close monitoring; Labetalol Hydrochloride is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment/active liver disease (see Contraindications).

Side Effects of Labetalol Hydrochloride

Common side effects of Labetalol Hydrochloride include:

  • Dizziness and postural (orthostatic) hypotension, especially at the start of therapy or with dose increases
  • Fatigue, tiredness, and weakness
  • Headache and scalp tingling
  • Nausea, vomiting, and epigastric discomfort
  • Nasal stuffiness
  • Skin rash
  • Difficulty with micturition (urination)

Less common but serious side effects include severe hepatocellular injury (rare but potentially serious; see Precautions and Warnings), significant bradycardia, worsening heart failure, and bronchospasm in susceptible patients. Patients should seek medical attention promptly for yellowing of the eyes/skin, unexplained fatigue, dark urine, severe dizziness, fainting, or breathing difficulty while taking Labetalol Hydrochloride.

Contraindications of Labetalol Hydrochloride

Labetalol Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with any of the following conditions:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Labetalol Hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.
  • Severe or uncontrolled bradycardia.
  • Cardiogenic shock.
  • Second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (in patients without a functioning pacemaker).
  • Decompensated (overt) cardiac failure.
  • Severe hepatic impairment or active severe liver disease, given the recognized (though rare) risk of serious hepatocellular injury with Labetalol Hydrochloride.
  • Bronchial asthma or severe bronchospastic disease, due to the risk of bronchospasm from beta-adrenergic blockade.

Frequently Asked Questions about Labetalol Hydrochloride

What is Labetalol Hydrochloride used for?

Labetalol Hydrochloride is used mainly to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), including long-term oral management and, in its intravenous form, rapid control of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive emergencies) and hypertension in pregnancy.

Can Labetalol Hydrochloride be used during pregnancy?

Labetalol Hydrochloride is one of the antihypertensives more commonly used for high blood pressure in pregnancy due to its relatively favorable safety profile in this setting, but it should be used only if clearly needed and under the direct guidance of an obstetric physician, who will weigh the benefits against any potential risks.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking Labetalol Hydrochloride?

Labetalol Hydrochloride passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding under medical supervision, but a physician should be consulted, and the infant should be watched for signs such as unusual sleepiness or low heart rate.

Can I stop taking Labetalol Hydrochloride suddenly if I feel better?

No. Stopping Labetalol Hydrochloride suddenly, especially if you have underlying heart disease, can cause a dangerous rebound in blood pressure, worsening chest pain, or heart rhythm problems. If your physician decides to stop Labetalol Hydrochloride, the dose should be reduced gradually over one to two weeks.

Who should not take Labetalol Hydrochloride?

Labetalol Hydrochloride should not be used by people with a known allergy to it, severe or uncontrolled slow heart rate, cardiogenic shock, certain heart block conditions without a pacemaker, decompensated heart failure, severe liver disease, or bronchial asthma. Your physician will review your medical history before prescribing it.

What are the warning signs of a serious side effect with Labetalol Hydrochloride?

Seek medical attention promptly if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness, dark urine, severe dizziness or fainting, a very slow heartbeat, or difficulty breathing while taking Labetalol Hydrochloride, as these may indicate rare but serious liver injury, excessive blood pressure lowering, or bronchospasm.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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