Fore Safe Use

It is important that your family doctor check your progress at regular appointments. This is to make sure the drug is working for you and to allow the dosage to be changed if needed.

Do not stop taking this drug without first checking with your family doctor . Your family doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is stopped suddenly and the danger of heart attack is increased in some diseaseds.

Make sure that you have enough drug on hand to last through weekends, holidays, or vacations. You may want to carry an extra written prescription in your billfold or purse in case of an emergency. You can then have it filled if you run out of drug while you are away from home.

Your family doctor may want you to carry medical identification stating that you are taking this drug.

Before having any kind of surgery - including dental surgery or emergency treat, tell the family doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this drug .

For diabetic diseaseds :

• This drug may cause your blood sugar levels to rise . Always this drug may cover up signs of hypoglycemia - low blood sugar , such as change in pulse rate.

This drug may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Make sure you know how you react to this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert . If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your family doctor.

Beta-blockers may make you more sensitive to cold temperatures, especially if you have blood circulation problems. Beta-blockers tend to decrease blood circulation in the skin, fingers and toes. Dress warmly during cold weather and be careful during prolonged exposure to cold, such as in winter sports.

Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion is usually reduced or prevented by this drug. This may tempt a patient to be overly active. Make sure you discuss with your family doctor a safe amount of exercise for your medical problem .

Before you have any medical tests, tell the family doctor in charge that you are taking this drug. The results of some tests may be effected by this drug.

Before you have any allergy shots, tell the family doctor in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers may cause you to have a serious reaction to the allergy shot.

For diseaseds with allergies to foods, medication, or insect stings :

• There is a risk that this drug will cause allergys to be worse and harder to treat. If you have a severe allergy while you are being treated with this drug, check with a family doctor right away so that it can be treated. Be sure to tell the family doctor that you are taking a beta-blocker.

For diseaseds taking this drug for high blood pressure :

• Do not take other medication unless they have been discussed with your family doctor . This especially includes over-the-counter - nonprescription medication for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

For diseaseds taking labetalol by mouth :

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position . This is more likely to occur when you first start taking labetalol or when the dose is increased Getting up slowly may help . When you get up from lying down, sit on the edge of the bed with your feet dangling for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stand up slowly. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your family doctor.
• The dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, or exercise, or if the weather is hot While you are taking this drug, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Always use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for long periods of time .

For diseaseds receiving labetalol by injection :

• The best for you that you lie down flat while receiving labetalol and for up to 3 hours afterward. If you try to get up too soon, you may become dizzy or faint Do not try to sit or stand until your family doctor or nurse tells you to do so .