Penbutolol (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
Penbutolol is used to treat high blood pressure.This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
Penbutolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take penbutolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Penbutolol helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take penbutolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking penbutolol without talking to your doctor.

Special precautions
Before taking penbutolol:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to penbutolol or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for heart disease or high blood pressure; reserpine (Serpasil); and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; diabetes; heart block; an overactive thyroid; or heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking penbutolol, call your doctor.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take penbutolol.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Penbutolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * upset stomach
 * diarrhea
 * cough
 * dizziness or lightheadedness
 * excessive tiredness
 * headache
 * difficulty sleeping
 * sweating
 * decreased sexual ability
 * memory loss

Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * chest pain
 * difficulty breathing or swallowing
 * fainting
 * slow or irregular heartbeat
 * depression
 * easy bruising or bleeding

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to penbutolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Levatol®