Drug Name

Trandate (Labetalol)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat severe high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food or milk.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Trandate is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure. It is related to carvedilol (Coreg). Nerves that are part of the adrenergic nervous system travel to most arteries where they release an adrenergic chemical norepinephrine. The norepinephrine attaches to receptors on the muscles of the arteries and causes the muscles to contract, narrowing the arteries, and increasing the blood pressure. Trandate blocks receptors of the adrenergic nervous system. When trandate attaches to and blocks the receptors, the arterial muscles relax, and the arteries expand, resulting in a fall in blood pressure. The FDA first approved Trandate in 1997.

Missed Dose

If the dose is interrupted, contact the doctor immediately to re-establish dosing.

Storage

Store the vials at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) and away from light. Do not freeze. After dilution in the correct IV fluids, this product is stable for 24 hours refrigerated or at room temperature. Discard any unused liquid.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, heart problems (e.g., mild/moderate congestive heart failure), pheochromocytoma, diabetes, any allergies. This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: lung disease (asthma, COPD), certain heart problems (e.g. advanced heart block, severe bradycardia, severe heart failure, post-CABG surgery). This drug may make you dizzy for up to 3 hours after it is given. You should remain lying down during this time period in order to prevent falls. You should get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position; another person should assist you. Use caution when performing activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Normal doses of epinephrine may not be as effective while you are using this medication. If you are diabetic, this drug may block certain symptoms of low blood sugar. Increased sweating is a symptom that is not affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Trandate should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Fatigue, nausea, or tingling of the scalp/skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if this potentially serious side effect occurs: dizziness. Tell your doctor immediately if these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, leg pain, increased sweating, increased urination, unusual thirst. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually slow or irregular heartbeat, persistent loss of appetite, stomach pain, persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, vision changes, difficulty urinating, mental/mood changes. Rare, but possibly fatal, liver problems have occurred during labetalol use. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, call your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function) may be performed to monitor your progress.