Latol-Forte Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Ind Blues Pharma |
| Active Ingredient | Labetalol (200mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Salicylamide derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | CARDIAC |
| Action Class | Alpha & beta blocker |
| User Rating | 4.2 |
| User Reviews | 423 |
FAQ
Will I need to stop taking Latol-Forte before surgery?
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking Latol-Forte for 24 hours before surgery. This is because Latol-Forte can lower your blood pressure too much when its use is combined with some anesthetics. So, tell your doctor that you're taking Latol-Forte if you're going to be put to sleep using a general anesthetic or are scheduled to have any kind of major operation.
What happens on taking more than the recommended dose of Latol-Forte?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Latol-Forte can lead to a drop in blood pressure and slowing of the heart rate, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood sugar, which can cause sweating or confusion. If you take too many tablets, tell your doctor immediately or contact the hospital emergency department nearest to you.
What can happen if I stop taking Latol-Forte?
Do not stop taking Latol-Forte without talking to your doctor. Stopping Latol-Forte suddenly may cause serious heart problems such as angina (chest pain) or even a heart attack. If you need to stop taking Latol-Forte, your doctor will reduce the dose slowly over 1 or 2 weeks.
Does Latol-Forte cause itching?
Yes, itchy skin, a rash or tingly scalp are common side effects of Latol-Forte. Speak to your doctor if the itchiness or rash gets worse or lasts for more than a week.
Is it safe to use Latol-Forte in patients with diabetes?
Diabetic patients while using Latol-Forte should regularly check the blood sugar levels. Latol-Forte may make it difficult to recognize the warning signs of low blood sugar such as shaking and a racing heartbeat. Consult your doctor if the blood sugar levels are reduced while taking Latol-Forte.
Why is Latol-Forte used in pregnancy?
It is important to appropriately treat high blood pressure in pregnancy. Studies have shown that poorly controlled high blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of certain birth defects, stillbirth, reduced growth of the baby within the womb, and premature birth. For some women with high blood pressure, treatment with Latol-Forte in pregnancy might be considered to be the best option. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what is right for you and your baby.
Does Latol-Forte affect heart rate?
Latol-Forte slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. Your doctor may regularly check your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) during therapy to determine your response to the medicine.
How long does Latol-Forte take to work?
If you are taking Latol-Forte for high blood pressure, it may lower your BP within 1-3 hours of taking it. You may not feel any different, but this does not mean that the medicine is not working, and it is important to keep taking it. On the other hand, if you are taking it for angina, it will probably take a few days for the medicine to reduce the pain. You may still have chest pain during this time or it may get worse.
Is Latol-Forte safe?
Latol-Forte is generally considered a safe medicine if it is taken as directed by the doctor. The side effects that result with use of Latol-Forte occur during the first few weeks of treatment and disappear with time.
What if you forget to take Latol Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Latol-Forte, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Latol-Forte Tablet Reviews
Latol-Forte is a medicine used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart-related chest pain (angina). It is also effective for treating high blood pressure in pregnancy. It lowers blood pressure and thus helps in preventing future stroke and heart attack.
Latol-Forte should be taken with food. This medicine may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Use it along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and without smoking for best results. Since it can cause serious withdrawal effects, it should not be stopped abruptly.
Some common side effects of this medicine include hypersensitivity (rash, pruritus, angioedema), tingling sensation in scalp, heart failure, increased liver function tests, difficulty in utrination, erectile dysfunction, and drug fever. These side effects usually get better with time, however, if they persist or get worse, let your doctor know.
How Latol-Forte Tablet Works
Latol-Forte is an alpha and beta blocker. It works by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels which makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood around the body.
How to Use Latol-Forte Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Latol-Forte is to be taken with food.
Benefits of Latol-Forte Tablet
- In Prevention of heart attack and stroke: If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Latol-Forte reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer. Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and staying active, to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine.
- In Hypertension (high blood pressure): Latol-Forte works by blocking the effects of some chemicals on your heart and blood vessels. It slows down your heart rate and helps the heart to beat with less force. This effectively lowers blood pressure. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well.
- In Angina (heart-related chest pain): Latol-Forte relaxes the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body and makes sure that your heart is getting a good supply of oxygen. This makes it less likely that you will suffer chest pain caused by angina. This medicine can help increase your ability to exercise and go about your daily life more easily by reducing the frequency of angina attacks. You should take it regularly and as long as it is prescribed for it to work effectively.
Uses of Latol-Forte Tablet
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke
- Angina (heart-related chest pain)
Latol-Forte Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Liver
CAUTION
Latol-Forte should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Latol-Forte may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Latol-Forte.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Latol-Forte is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Latol-Forte is recommended.However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended for better dose adjustment.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Latol-Forte is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Latol-Forte may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Latol-Forte may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Quick Tips
- Latol-Forte may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- It should be taken with food.
- Check your blood pressure 1 week after starting Latol-Forte, and inform your doctor if it has not improved.
- It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- Do not stop taking Latol-Forte suddenly as it can cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Latol-Forte as it may make the side effects worse.
References
- Labetalol hydrochloride tablets. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 1997.
- Benowitz NL. Antihypertensive Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 176-77.
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.
- Westfall TC, WestfallIn DP. Adrenergic Agonists and Antagonists. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 328-29.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 764-65.