Penbutolol Tablets

What are Penbutolol tablets?

PENBUTOLOL (Levatol®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers decrease the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Penbutolol helps to control, but does not cure high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a silent disease so it may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Generic penbutolol tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Penbutolol?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, bronchitis, or bronchospasm

• circulation problems or blood vessel disease (like Raynaud's disease)

• depression

• diabetes

• emphysema or other lung disease

• history of heart attack, heart disease, or vasospastic angina

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• muscle weakness or disease

• pheochromocytoma

• psoriasis

• thyroid disease

• an unusual reaction to Penbutolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take penbutolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Take your dose at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Penbutolol?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

• atropine

• cocaine

• hawthorn

• medicines for chest pain or angina

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicine for mental problems or psychotic disturbances

• medicines to control heart rhythm

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Penbutolol?

Check your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure regularly while you are taking penbutolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how penbutolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing (reddening of the skin) and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Penbutolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking penbutolol.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Penbutolol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision

• cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet

• confusion

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• increased thirst

• increase in the amount of urine passed

• skin rash

• slow or irregular heart rate

• sweating

• swollen legs or ankles

• tremor, shakes

• vomiting

• weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• depression

• diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• nausea

• sexual difficulties, impotence

• unusual tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep bottle tightly closed, protecting from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.