Aging and Disease

Hypertension is increasing among America’s population. Researchers suggest between 25-33 percent of citizens have reason to be very concerned with checking/regulating their blood pressure. If high blood pressure is diagnosed, the family physician will probably suggest several lifestyle changes, to ascertain whether the problem can be solved without more invasive treatment. However, many people will require one or more high blood pressure medicines, to prevent dangerous health issues, in addition to encouraging healthier choices.

Among the plethora of high blood pressure medicines, one of the medicines used is Labetalol, first approved by the FDA in 1997. Labetalol blocks receptors of the adrenergic nervous system and when labetalol attaches to and blocks the receptors, the arterial muscles relax, and the arteries expand, resulting in a fall in blood pressure but there are some side effects.

The most common side effects of labetalol are fatigue, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, edema (fluid accumulation), dry eyes, and tingling of the scalp and skin. Postural hypotension (a rapid decrease in blood pressure when going from the lying or seated position to the standing position that may cause light-headedness or fainting) occurs rarely. Patients should be observed for these possible labetolol side effects within two to four hours of the first labetalol dose and after any changes in dose. Sexual dysfunction, abnormal heart rhythm and difficulty breathing also may occur.

Sometimes a medicine causes unwanted effects. These are called side effects. Not all of the side effects for beta-blockers or labetalol side effects are listed here. If you feel these or any other effects, you should check with your doctor. Side effects may be less if labetalol is given in three daily doses rather than two. Stopping or changing the dose of the drug should be directed by a physician because serious side effects may occur.

visit High Blood Pressure Medicines for a complete list of Labetalol Side Effects

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