TRANDATE

Drug Name: TRANDATE

TRANDATE DESCRIPTION:
LABETALOL - ORAL (luh-BET-uh-lol)

COMMON TRANDATE BRAND NAME(S):
Normodyne, Trandate

TRANDATE SIDE EFFECTS:
Fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, decreased male sexual ability (e.g., impotence), or scalp tingling may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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, fainting, 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 TRANDATE 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.

HOW TO USE TRANDATE:
TRANDATE: Take TRANDATE by mouth, usually twice daily with or without food; or take as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the medication. It is important to continue taking TRANDATE even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking TRANDATE without talking to your doctor. Some conditions may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped. If told to stop TRANDATE, it should be gradually stopped over a 1 to 2 week period, and you should limit your physical activity during this period.

TRANDATE USES:
TRANDATE is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

OTHER USES OF TRANDATE:
Labetalol may also be used for chest pain (angina).

TRANDATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, heart problems (e.g., mild/moderate congestive heart failure), lung disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema), pheochromocytoma, diabetes, any allergies. TRANDATE is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: asthma, certain heart problems (e.g., advanced heart block, severe bradycardia, severe congestive heart failure). TRANDATE may make you dizzy; use caution when doing activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness and help prevent falls, get up slowly when getting up from a seated or lying position. 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 TRANDATE. If you are diabetic, TRANDATE 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 TRANDATE in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Labetolol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. TRANDATE passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

TRANDATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), other heart medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, nitroglycerin), cimetidine, glutethimide, asthma drugs (e.g., beta-agonist bronchodilator drugs such as albuterol), diabetes drugs, other high blood pressure drugs (e.g., clonidine, methyldopa), arbutamine, halothane anesthetic, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., amphetamine). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use TRANDATE. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TRANDATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, unusually slow heartbeat, fainting.

TRANDATE NOTES:
Do not share TRANDATE with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function) may be performed to monitor your progress. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication, or learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

MISSED TRANDATE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and restart your usual dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to catch up.

TRANDATE STORAGE:
Keep the medication at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. Do not keep in your bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert (TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.