What Pharmacists Say About How Long It Takes Labetalol to Work, Plus 4 More Tips for Taking It

Labetalol is part of a group of medications called beta blockers. It’s FDA approved to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s not usually a first-choice medicationfor typical hypertension. But it’s a top choice for hypertensive emergencies (extremely high blood pressure) and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Whether labetalol is a new medication or one you’ve been taking for years, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Here, GoodRx pharmacists give you five key insights — like how long labetalol takes to work, whether or not you can take it with food, and more.

1. Labetalol may start working within a few hours, but it can take several days to have a true effect

Labetalol can start working in as little as 2 hours after you take your dose. But it may take 2 to 3 days to see the full effects on your blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure that may go away include headache and dizziness. 

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That said, you may not feel much different after taking labetalol. This is because you may not have even felt symptoms of high blood pressure to begin with. But even if you don’t notice physical changes after starting labetalol, it doesn’t mean it’s not working.

Checking your blood pressure at home can help you determine whether labetalol is working. If your blood pressure is too high, you may need a higher labetalol dose. If your blood pressure is too low, you may need a lower labetalol dose. 

Keep in mind that some symptoms of low blood pressure can look similar to high blood pressure, including headache and dizziness. These symptoms may be a sign that your labetalol dose needs adjustments. But don’t make any changes without talking to your prescriber first. They can help your figure out if a lower or higher labetalol dosage might benefit you.

2. You may need to take labetalol a few times per day

Typically, labetalol is taken twice a day. But some people may need to take it three times a day. This is different from some other beta blockers that only need to be taken once a day, such as metoprolol extended-release (Toprol XL) and atenolol (Tenormin).

This is because labetalol has a short half-life (6 to 8 hours). A half-life refers to the number of hours it takes for a medication's initial blood levels to decrease by half. A medication’s half-life helps determine how frequently you need to take it in order to keep adequate amounts of it in your body at all times.

Remembering to take labetalol multiple times a day can be challenging. But missing too many doses in a row can cause your blood pressure to spike. To remember to take your doses, try placing physical reminders (like a sticky note) in areas of your home that you see frequently. Or you can use a medication reminder app if you have a smartphone.

3. You can take labetalol with or without food

Labetalol can be taken with or without food. But food can increase the absorption of labetalol. So whether you decide to take it with food or not, stay consistent. This will help your prescriber determine if your dose is right for you.

For many people, taking labetalol with meals is a good idea. This can help you remember to take it. Taking labetalol with food can also help to minimize nausea, a common side effect.

4. There are ways to manage labetalol side effects

Labetalol is generally well-tolerated by most people. But side effects are still possible. These include:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Scalp tingling 

• Erectile dysfunction (males)

Some of these side effects, such as fatigue and nausea, usually improve over time. In the meantime, you can often manage them at home. For example, you can deal with fatigue by staying hydrated and eating energy-boosting foods. Keeping active can also fight fatigue.

Rarely, labetalol can cause more serious side effects, such as: 

• Heart problems: Labetalol can sometimes decrease your blood pressure and heart rate too much. In rare cases, this can cause heart block or heart failure. Both are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and feeling lightheaded.

• Trouble breathing: In rare cases, labetalol can cause breathing problems. The risk is higher if you have a lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seek immediate medical care if you are struggling to breathe properly while taking labetalol. 

• Masking signs of low blood glucose: Labetalol can hide the signs and symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). This means that your blood glucose (blood sugar) may drop too low without you noticing, especially if you have diabetes and take medications that decrease blood glucose. Ask your prescriber how often to check your blood glucose levels if you have diabetes and you take labetalol. You can learn how to quickly treat hypoglycemia if it happens.

Lastly, labetalol can also interact with other medications. These interactions can increase your risk of side effects. Before starting labetalol, it’s important to provide your prescriber and pharmacist with a medication list that includes all your prescription and over-the-counter medications. They can check for any potential labetalol interactions.

5. Don’t stop taking labetalol without talking to your prescriber first

Abruptly stopping labetalol can quickly spike your blood pressure. It can also cause beta blocker withdrawal symptoms, such as chest pain, a fast heartbeat, and dizziness. More serious consequences, like a heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeat, are also possible if you stop a beta blocker suddenly.

Talk to your prescriber before stopping labetalol. They can let you know whether it’s safe or if you need to continue taking it. If labetalol side effects are affecting your quality of life, let your prescriber know what’s going on. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend another medication.

How to save on labetalol

You may be able to save over 60% off the average retail price of labetalol using a GoodRx discount. The price of labetalol may be as low as $19.48 with a free GoodRx coupon at certain pharmacies.

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Written by:

Makaela Premont, PharmD

Makaela Premont, PharmD, is a pharmacist and the founder of uniquelymickie.com, a website dedicated to helping pharmacy students and pharmacists create a life that they enjoy. She received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina and is a licensed pharmacist in North Carolina.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

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