Trandate (Labetalol)

Description

Trandate is a trade name for Labetalol, a nonselective alpha and beta adrenergic antagonist used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Trandate is available by physician prescription.

 

 

 

Drug Information

 

Adrenergic receptor blocking agents like Labetalol, the active ingredient of Trandate, work by inhibiting norepinephrine (noradrenaline) hormone from reaching the walls of smaller blood vessels. This action leads to the relaxing of smooth muscles in blood vessel walls, which dilates small arteries and veins allowing blood to flow smoother, relieving elevated pressure.

 

 As an alpha blocker, Labetalol can relax muscles other than blood vessels all over the body. Therefore, the drug is sometimes prescribed to make urination easy, especially for elderly men with prostate complications.

 

 As a beta blocker, Labetalol can directly affect the muscles of the heart to reduce rate, beat strength and overall strain. Therefore, Labetalol is sometimes prescribed to treat chest pain (angina).

 

Labetalol may be prescribed for a number of conditions other than hypertension, including, but not limited to, arrhythmia, glaucoma, migraines, benign prostatic hyperplasia, Raynaud’s disease, scleroderma and pheochromocytoma.

 

Trandate tablets are available in 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg doses.

 

Inactive ingredients of Trandate include lactose, pregelatinized corn starch, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, (in 200 mg tablet) sodium benzoate and (in 100 mg tablet) talc.

 

Dosage

 

Trandate dosage will vary as per physician recommendation, age, severity of the condition and response to the treatment. The dosage prescribed by a physician should be followed exactly as instructed.

 

 Trandate tablets must be consumed orally, usually prescribed to be taken twice a day.

 

 Trandate tablets can be taken with or without food. However, it’s important to choose one way and always take the tablet accordingly.

 

 Trandate prescriptions start with a low dosage to decrease the likelihood and severity of side effects, and is then increased to the necessary dosage.

 

 Trandate should be taken regularly even if the patient “feels fine.” Hypertension patients do not experience “feeling sick” symptoms. The prescribed dosage is essential for the drug to be effective.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

 Do not take Trandate if allergic to Labetalol or any other ingredient in the drug.

 

 Exercise caution when taking Trandate while pregnant, breastfeeding or attempting to get pregnant. Always consult a physician beforehand.

 

 Trandate may not be safe for pediatric patients.

 

 Trandate may not be safe for patients with the following conditions: severe heart failure, heart rhythm problems such as atrioventricular block, and breathing problems like asthma or emphysema.

 

 Trandate may increase the risk of stroke after surgery.

 

 For diabetic patients, Trandate may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Some side effects of Trandate could emulate hypoglycemia. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that patients with diabetes constantly monitor blood sugar levels when taking Trandate.

 

Side Effects

 

Trandate and Labetalol could potentially cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Dizziness
 Lightheadedness
 Tingling sensation of scalp
 Nausea
 Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension
 Cold hands or feet
 Mild skin rashes
 Swelling
 Tingly or prickly sensations
 Excessive sweating
 Mood swings
 Side effects are not limited to the above.

 

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.