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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sheng Shi, M.D. [2]
For patient information about Penbutolol, click here
Synonyms / Brand Names: LEVATOL®
Overview
Penbutolol (Levatol, Levatolol, Lobeta, Paginol, Hostabloc, Betapressin) is a medication in the class of beta blockers, used in the treatment of high blood pressure. Penbutolol is able to bind to both beta-1 adrenergic receptors and beta-2 adrenergic receptors (the two subtypes), thus making it a non-selective β blocker [1]. Penbutolol is a sympathomimetic drug with properties allowing it to act as a partial agonist at β adrenergic receptors [2]. Penbutolol has also been found to be one of very few compounds that are 5-HT1A antagonists. 5-HT1A receptors are activated by serotonin, which have many different actions in different species. This makes it difficult to create generalizations about serotonin and its effects [1].
Category
Cardiovascular Drugs:Beta blockers
FDA Package Insert
| Indications and Usage | Dosage and Administration | Contraindications | Warnings and Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Drug Interactions | Use in Specific Populations | Overdosage | Description | Clinical Pharmacology | Nonclinical Toxicology | How Supplied/Storage and Handling | Patient Counseling Information | Labels and Packages
Mechanism of Action
Penbutolol decreases plasma renin activity in normal subjects and in patients with essential and renovascular hypertension. The mechanisms of the antihypertensive actions of ß-receptor antagonists have not been established. However, factors that may be involved are: (1) competitive antagonism of catecholamines at peripheral adrenergic receptor sites (especially cardiac) that leads to decreased cardiac output; (2) a central nervous system (CNS) action that results in a decrease in tonic sympathetic neural outflow to the periphery; and (3) a reduction of renin secretion through blockade of ß-receptors involved in release of renin from the kidneys.