Beta-blocker and alpha-blocker (blood pressure medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Labetalol is a blood pressure-lowering medicine that works by relaxing your blood vessels and slowing down your heartbeat, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels, reducing heart rate and contractility, while simultaneously blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to cause vasodilation, resulting in decreased blood pressure through both cardiac and vascular mechanisms.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Adults usually start with 100 mg taken twice daily with food. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose to 200–400 mg twice daily depending on how your blood pressure responds. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly — your doctor will tell you how to reduce it slowly.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for it.
Do not stop taking labetalol suddenly as this can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure — always follow your doctor's instructions for reducing the dose. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and not from roadside sellers, as fake blood pressure medicines are common. Do not share your prescription with anyone, even if they have similar symptoms.
Avoid taking labetalol with other blood pressure medicines like amlodipine or nifedipine without your doctor's guidance, as your blood pressure could drop too low. Alcohol can make the dizziness and lightheadedness much worse — reduce or avoid it. Diabetes medicines like insulin or glibenclamide may have stronger effects when combined with labetalol, and it can also hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Labetalol with your other drugs?
Labetalol is one of the preferred medicines used to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy, but it must only be used under a doctor's close supervision — do not self-medicate; also consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — Nigerian heat can damage medicines, so avoid storing near windows, kitchens, or in direct sunlight. Keep away from moisture and humidity, and always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Labetalol Hydrochloride?
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