Penbutolol Oral Tablets

What is this medicine?

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.

How should I use this medicine?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• 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

What may interact with this medicine?

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

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

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.