What symptom should patients taking Labetalol report immediately?

Labetalol is a medication commonly used to manage hypertension, particularly in situations like pregnancy-induced hypertension or acute hypertension crises. A critical aspect of its use is monitoring blood pressure, as labetalol can lead to hypotension, which presents with symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Patients taking labetalol should be advised to report any signs of hypotension immediately because uncontrolled low blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including falls or syncope (loss of consciousness). Maintaining an appropriate blood pressure range is essential for overall cardiovascular health, and timely reporting can help prevent adverse effects related to under-treatment.

Other symptoms may be pertinent to the medication, but none are as immediately critical as hypotension. Itching and swelling could indicate an allergic reaction, which is less common. Increased heart rate may indicate a different issue, as labetalol usually works to lower heart rate. Visual disturbances may also need attention but are not as urgent in the context of labetalol's effects compared to symptoms of hypotension. Thus, the focus on reporting hypotension reflects the need for immediate medical intervention to ensure patient safety.