Penbutolol Oral Tablets

What is this medication?

PENBUTOLOL (pen BYOO toe lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levatol

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

•diabetes

•heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

•kidney disease

•lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

•pheochromocytoma

•thyroid disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to penbutolol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• clonidine
• cocaine
• diuretics
• ephedra, Ma Huang
• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• medicines for sleep during surgery
• mefloquine
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• reserpine
• stimulant medicines like dextroamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, and others
• theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• chest pain
• cold or numb hands or feet
• confusion
• depression
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• rapid weight gain

signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

• swollen ankles, legs
• vomiting
• weight loss

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

• anxiety, nervous
• change in sex drive or performance
• diarrhea
• dry skin
• headache
• nightmares or trouble sleeping
• short term memory loss
• stomach nausea, upset
• unusually tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Close tightly and protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.