Key takeaways
Labetalol and losartan are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Labetalol, available only as a generic, is both an alpha blocker and a non-selective beta blocker, while losartan, also available as a generic, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Labetalol is typically taken twice a day and is often used during pregnancy, whereas losartan is usually taken once a day and is not safe for use during pregnancy. Labetalol can cause side effects like dizziness and tiredness, and it may lead to breathing problems in people with asthma. Losartan can cause dizziness and fatigue, and it may lead to high potassium levels, which can affect your kidneys. Both medications can interact with other blood pressure medications, increasing the risk of low blood pressure, while losartan can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both medications require a prescription, and you should talk to your healthcare team before making any changes to your treatment plan.
