Key takeaways:
Labetalol is a prescription-only medication that’s FDA approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of medications called beta blockers, which aren’t usually first-choice options for treating high blood pressure.
Like all beta blockers, labetalol’s mechanism of action is blocking beta receptors. But it also blocks alpha receptors, which helps lower blood pressure.
Labetalol is a first-choice medication for extremely high blood pressure that leads to organ damage (hypertensive emergencies) and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Labetalol is a prescription-only medication that affects your heart and blood vessels. If you’ve been prescribed labetalol, you may have questions about what medication class it’s part of and what it’s used for. Here, pharmacists answer four frequently asked questions about labetalol.
1. Is labetalol a beta blocker?
Yes, labetalol is part of a group of medications called beta blockers. Beta blockers work by targeting beta receptors (binding sites) on the surface of your heart and other muscles, as well as on your blood vessels. Additionally, some beta blockers target other types of receptors.
Beta blockers can be grouped into two different types:
Selective beta blockers: These medications primarily block beta-1 receptors in your heart. By blocking these receptors, the medications slow down your heart rate and make it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body.
Non-selective beta blockers: These medications attach to beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Beta-2 receptors are located throughout the body on various muscles and blood vessels. Blocking beta-2 receptors has various impacts, such as causing blood vessels in the lungs to tighten (constrict) and slowing your heart rate.
Labetalol is a non-selective beta blocker that also blocks alpha-1 receptors. Blocking alpha-1 receptors causes your blood vessels to widen, which lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily throughout the body.
2. What is labetalol used for?
Labetalol is a prescription-only medication that’s FDA approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Usually, beta blockers like labetalol aren’t first-choice medications for most people with high blood pressure. This is because they’re not as good at lowering blood pressure, or preventing organ damage, as other blood pressure medications. In most cases, first-choice medications for treating hypertension include:
Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Zestril)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as losartan (Cozaar)
Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine (Norvasc)
In some cases, beta blockers may be considered to treat hypertension when other health conditions are also present, like heart disease. With labetalol specifically, prescribers usually reserve it for the treatment of hypertensive emergencies. This is when your blood pressure gets so high that it causes organ damage. IV labetalol is considered a first-choice option for hypertensive emergencies.
It’s also a first-choice medication for the treatment of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
3. How does labetalol compare to other beta blockers?
Labetalol is similar to other beta blockers in a few ways. Like all beta blockers, labetalol is FDA approved to treat hypertension. It can also cause several common beta blocker side effects, such as dizziness, tiredness, and low blood pressure when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension).
But labetalol is different from other beta blockers in a number of ways, including:
How it works: Along with beta receptors, labetalol blocks alpha receptors. Carvedilol is the only other beta blocker that does this.
How often you need to take it: Labetalol is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day. Other beta blockers are usually taken 1 or 2 times a day.
FDA approved uses: Labetalol is only FDA approved to treat hypertension, while some beta blockers are also approved to treat other conditions. For example, metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is approved for hypertension, chest pain, and lowering the risk of death after a heart attack.
How well it works for certain conditions: In some cases, a particular beta blocker may be preferred over another. For example, metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL), carvedilol, and bisoprolol are the preferred beta blockers for people with heart failure due to a weak heart. And as mentioned, IV labetalol is preferred for hypertensive emergencies, while IV or oral labetalol is preferred for hypertension during pregnancy.
Side effects: Side effects can vary among beta blockers. For example, certain beta blockers — like labetalol, carvedilol, and nebivolol — aren’t as likely as others to increase blood glucose (sugar) or lipid (fat) levels in the blood. But non-selective beta blockers, including labetalol, may be more likely to cause airways to constrict, making it harder for people who have existing lung conditions like asthma to breathe. Selective beta blockers — like atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol, and bisoprolol — are usually better options for people with asthma.
Good to know: It’s been suggested that beta blockers that block alpha-1 receptors (like labetalol) are better at lowering blood pressure than ones that don’t. However, research hasn’t found this to be true. No beta blocker is considered a first-choice option for hypertension in most people.
4. Who shouldn’t take labetalol?
Labetalol isn’t recommended for people with certain medical conditions, including:
Lung conditions like asthma
Active heart failure
Severely low heart rate
Low blood pressure
There are additional situations in which labetalol may not be the best treatment option. So make sure your prescriber has your full health history before you start taking labetalol. This will help them decide if labetalol is the right medication for you.
Additionally, give your prescriber and pharmacist a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter products. This will help them check for possible drug interactions with labetalol.
Good to know: Regardless of why you’re taking it, labetalol can lower your blood pressure. So your prescriber may recommend regularly checking your blood pressure at home. In some cases, your prescriber may also recommend checking your heart rate.
How to save on labetalol
GoodRx may be able to help you save over 60% off the average retail price of generic labetalol. The price of labetalol at certain pharmacies may be as low as $22.20 with a free GoodRx coupon.
The bottom line
Labetalol is a beta blocker that’s FDA approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s not usually a first-choice medication for hypertension, except during pregnancy and for hypertensive emergencies. Hypertensive emergencies occur when blood pressure is so high it causes organ damage.
In addition to blocking beta receptors, labetalol blocks alpha receptors in the body, making it different from most other beta blockers. Labetalol should be avoided if you have certain health conditions, such as asthma. So make sure your healthcare professional has your full medical history before prescribing you labetalol.
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References
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