Trandate (Labetalol) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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What are beta blockers and how do they work?

Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of drugs that works by blocking the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to receptors. There are three known types of beta receptors, known as beta₁ (β₁), beta₂ (β₂) and beta₃ (β₃).

β₁-adrenergic receptors are located commonly in the heart and kidneys.
β₂-adrenergic receptors are located mainly in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, uterus, vascular smooth muscle, and skeletal muscle.
β₃- adrenergic receptors are located in fat cells.

When the neurotransmitters are prevented from binding to the receptors, it in turn causes the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) to be blocked. This action allows the he...

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Trandate Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking labetalol (Trandate)?

Before taking labetalol, tell your doctor if you have:

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes;
low blood pressure;
a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
depression;
liver or kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
myasthenia gravis;
pheochromocytoma; or
problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use labetalol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Labetalol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using labetalol.

How should I take labetalol (Trandate)?

Take labetalol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take labetalol at the same time every day.

Do not skip doses or stop taking labetalol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using labetalol. You may need to briefly stop using labetalol before having surgery.

Labetalol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store labetalol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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