LabetalolSkip to the navigation
Labetalol is used to treat high blood pressure.
Common brand names:Normodyne, Trandate
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Reduce Side Effects
Potential Negative Interaction
Three kidney transplant patients developed hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), a potentially dangerous condition, following intravenous administration of labetalol.1 Additional research is needed to determine whether taking oral labetalol together with potassium supplements might also lead to elevated blood levels of potassium. However, some other beta-blockers (called “nonselective” beta-blockers) are known to decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,2 leading to hyperkalemia.3 People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.4The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
1. Arthur S, Greenberg A. Hyperkalemia associated with intravenous labetalol therapy for acute hypertension in renal transplant recipients. Clin Nephrol 1990;33:269-71.
2. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431-4.
3. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121-6 [review].
4. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213-4.
Last Review: 04-29-2014
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