9 Labetalol Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Labetalol is a beta blocker medication that's prescribed for high blood pressure. Whether you're considering starting labetalol or already taking it, being aware of the possible side effects can help you stay proactive about your health.

Labetalol side effects at a glance

Labetalol is generally a well-tolerated medication. Most labetalol side effects are mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Below is a list of common and serious labetalol side effects reported in clinical studies. Keep in mind this isn’t a complete list. It’s best to touch base with your healthcare team with any concerns about labetalol side effects, even if they’re not listed below.

Common labetalol side effects include:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Low blood pressure

• Slow heart rate

• Stuffy nose

• Headache

• Erectile dysfunction

• Scalp tingling

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Rare but serious labetalol side effects:

• Trouble breathing

• Heart failure

• Heart block

• Liver problems

• Allergic reaction

Let’s look closer at nine labetalol side effects and review what to do if they occur.

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1. Dizziness

Dizziness is one of the most common labetalol side effects. Labetalol slows down your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure, which can often lead to dizziness. Dizziness can happen at any time, but often occurs when you sit up or stand quickly (orthostatic hypotension). This puts you at risk for falls, so it’s best to move slowly and take your time when changing positions. This is especially true if you’re 60 years of age and older, as you’re more likely to experience this side effect.

As your body adjusts to labetalol, dizziness should improve and, hopefully, go away altogether. If it doesn’t or is becoming bothersome, talk with your prescriber. They may want to adjust your dosage.

2. Fatigue

It’s not unusual to feel tired or weak, especially when you first start taking labetalol. You may also find it harder to perform daily tasks, such as carrying groceries or climbing stairs. Like dizziness, fatigue is typically a result of labetalol’s effect on your heart rate and blood pressure. As your body adjusts to it, your fatigue should improve.

Make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to help reduce fatigue. Eating a heart-healthy diet can also help. It’s also a good idea to take a break from intense physical activity until your body adjusts to labetalol. Just be sure to come back to a regular exercise program as soon as you feel able. If your fatigue worsens or becomes bothersome, let your prescriber know.

3. Nausea

Nausea is another common labetalol side effect. Nausea should go away on its own as your body gets used to taking labetalol. In the meantime, you can try these tips to help manage it:

• Take labetalol with food

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat smaller meals and easily digestible foods like bananas and rice

• Avoid big meals and spicy or high-fat foods

• Try over-the-counter remedies such as ginger or peppermint

Let your healthcare team know if nausea worsens or becomes bothersome. They may want to adjust your dosage to help lessen this side effect.

4. Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a possible side effect of beta blockers, including labetalol. It may feel uncomfortable to bring this up with your prescriber, but it’s often easily managed with an ED medication or a different heart medication. So don’t hesitate to let them know if labetalol is causing unwanted sex-related side effects.

5. Scalp tingling

The sensation of pins and needles, known as paresthesias, can occur while taking labetalol. It’s often described as a tingling sensation on the scalp, and happens most often at the start of labetalol treatment.

Like other labetalol side effects, this sensation should go away on its own. But if it doesn’t or becomes worse, let your prescriber know. They can recommend the next best course of action.  

6. Heart failure and heart block

As mentioned, labetalol and other beta blockers help lower your blood pressure and slow your heart rate. This is an intended effect of the medication, but it can sometimes cause side effects such as dizziness and fatigue.

In most cases, these side effects will resolve once your body adjusts to labetalol. But in some cases, more serious problems can occur. Your blood pressure can become too low (hypotension) or your heart rate can become too slow (bradycardia). In rare cases, this can lead to heart failure or heart block.

Heart failure and heart block are both serious problems that happen when your heart can’t beat the way it normally should. Symptoms include feeling dizzy, chest pain, and trouble breathing when lying down. You may also feel your heart skip a beat or beat in a way that’s not normal for you.

If you have these or any other symptoms that feel life-threatening while taking labetalol, seek emergency care right away. Heart failure and heart block can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.

7. Masking signs of low blood glucose

If your blood glucose drops too low (hypoglycemia), you normally feel symptoms such as:

• Shakiness

• Sweating

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Fast heartbeat

But if you’re taking labetalol, it can block most of these symptoms because it prevents your heart from beating faster. So your blood glucose may drop too low before you realize something is wrong.

If you’re living with diabetes and also taking labetalol, you may need to pay closer attention to how you’re feeling or check your blood glucose levels more often than usual to watch out for low levels. Keep in mind that sweating is a symptom of low blood glucose that labetalol doesn’t affect. So if you notice you’re sweating more than usual, it’s a good idea to check your blood glucose levels. It is also important to make sure you have fast-acting sugar, such as glucose tablets or gel, on hand at all times in case your blood glucose drops. 

8. Breathing problems

Labetalol is a non-selective beta blocker. This means that it blocks beta receptors (binding sites) in the body as well as the heart. When labetalol blocks beta receptors in your lungs, it can cause your airways to narrow. This isn’t an issue for most people, but if you’re living with a lung condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it may make it hard for you to breathe.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have a lung condition before starting labetalol. They will likely choose a safer blood pressure medication for you. If you have trouble breathing while taking labetalol, don’t hesitate to seek medical care.

9. Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly

You shouldn’t stop taking any prescription medication on your own. In some cases, stopping a medication can even be dangerous, and this is especially true for beta blockers such as labetalol.

If you suddenly stop taking labetalol, it could lead to chest pain or even a heart attack. If labetalol is causing unwanted side effects, or you’re interested in stopping it for other reasons, talk to your prescriber. They can come up with a plan to safely reduce your dose over time if it’s appropriate for you to do so.

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Written by:

Emilie White, PharmD

Emilie White is a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of hospital pharmacy experience. Her professional areas of interest include critical care as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

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