When Labetalol Isn't Available, You Still Have Options

If you've been searching for Labetalol and keep hearing "out of stock," you're probably wondering: is there something else I can take? The answer is yes — but only with your doctor's help.

Switching blood pressure medications is not something you should do on your own. Every medication works differently, and what's right for you depends on your specific health situation. But knowing your options ahead of time can help you have a more productive conversation with your doctor.

In this post, we'll explain what Labetalol is, how it works, and walk through several alternatives your doctor might consider if you can't fill your Labetalol prescription.

What Is Labetalol and How Does It Work?

Labetalol (formerly sold under brand names Trandate and Normodyne) is a combined alpha-beta adrenergic blocker. That means it blocks two types of receptors in your body:

• Beta receptors (beta-1 and beta-2): Blocking these slows the heart rate and reduces the force of heart contractions
• Alpha-1 receptors: Blocking these relaxes and widens blood vessels

This dual action makes Labetalol effective at lowering blood pressure without dramatically changing your heart rate — a key reason doctors prefer it for certain patients, especially pregnant women with hypertension.

For a detailed look at how Labetalol works in the body, see our post on Labetalol's mechanism of action explained.

Alternatives to Labetalol

If your pharmacy can't get Labetalol, your doctor may recommend one of the following alternatives. Each works a bit differently, so the best choice depends on your medical history and why you're taking Labetalol in the first place.

1. Carvedilol (Coreg)

Drug class: Combined alpha-beta blocker (same class as Labetalol)

Carvedilol is the closest alternative to Labetalol. Like Labetalol, it blocks both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors to lower blood pressure. It's FDA-approved for hypertension, heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack.

Key differences from Labetalol:

• Usually taken twice daily (similar to Labetalol)
• Available in immediate-release and extended-release (Coreg CR) formulations
• More commonly prescribed for heart failure
• Less data on safety in pregnancy compared to Labetalol

Typical cost: Generic Carvedilol is affordable, usually $4 to $15 for a 30-day supply with a discount coupon.

2. Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)

Drug class: Selective beta-1 blocker

Metoprolol is one of the most widely prescribed beta blockers in the United States. It selectively blocks beta-1 receptors, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike Labetalol, it does not block alpha receptors.

Key differences from Labetalol:

• Available in immediate-release (Metoprolol Tartrate) and extended-release (Metoprolol Succinate) forms
• Does not have the alpha-blocking vasodilating effect
• Very widely available and extremely affordable
• Commonly used for hypertension, angina, heart failure, and after heart attacks

Typical cost: Generic Metoprolol is very inexpensive — often $4 to $10 for a 30-day supply.

3. Atenolol (Tenormin)

Drug class: Selective beta-1 blocker

Atenolol is another selective beta blocker that has been used for decades to treat hypertension. It's taken once daily, which some patients prefer for convenience.

Key differences from Labetalol:

• Once-daily dosing
• No alpha-blocking activity
• Generally not preferred in pregnancy (Labetalol is the beta blocker of choice for pregnancy hypertension)
• Widely available generic

Typical cost: Usually $4 to $10 for a 30-day supply.

4. Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)

Drug class: Calcium channel blocker

Nifedipine is not a beta blocker — it works by blocking calcium channels in blood vessel walls, causing them to relax and widen. It's a common alternative for patients who can't take beta blockers or who need a different approach to blood pressure control.

Key differences from Labetalol:

• Completely different mechanism of action (calcium channel blocker vs. alpha-beta blocker)
• Commonly used for pregnancy-induced hypertension as an alternative to Labetalol
• Available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations
• Side effects include headache, flushing, and ankle swelling (different profile from Labetalol)

Typical cost: Generic Nifedipine ER is usually $10 to $25 for a 30-day supply.

Important: Don't Switch Medications on Your Own

We cannot stress this enough: do not switch or stop blood pressure medications without your doctor's guidance. Here's why:

• Stopping Labetalol abruptly can cause rebound hypertension, angina, or heart attack
• Different blood pressure medications have different drug interactions and side effects
• Your doctor will need to determine the right dose of any new medication based on your current blood pressure, kidney function, and other health factors
• If you're pregnant, medication choices are even more critical — not all alternatives are safe during pregnancy

Before You Switch: Try to Find Labetalol First

If you'd rather stay on Labetalol, it's worth trying to find it before switching. Here are some resources:

• Medfinder — search for pharmacies with Labetalol in stock near you
• How to find Labetalol in stock near you — our complete guide with tips
• Call independent pharmacies — they often have more sourcing options

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find your blood pressure medication is frustrating, but you're not out of options. Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Nifedipine are all real alternatives that your doctor can evaluate for your situation. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor before making any changes and to never stop Labetalol abruptly.

Start by searching Medfinder to see if Labetalol is available near you. If it's not, bring this list of alternatives to your next appointment and discuss your options with your prescriber.