Probucol Description

Generic Name : PROBUCOL

Pronunciation : (proe' byoo kole)

Trade Name(s) : Bezalip, Nicinal

Why it is prescribed: Probucol is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina, strokes, and heart attacks.

When it is to be taken: Probucol usually is taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Probucol must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not stop taking it until your doctor tells you to do so.

How it should be taken: Probucol comes in tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to this medication can be evaluated. You probably will have electrocardiograms and periodic blood tests to determine the amount of cholesterol and fats in your blood.
2. The major risk factors in developing arteriosclerosis are high blood levels of cholesterol and fats, obesity, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
3. Follow your doctor's advice on smoking, diet, exercise, and weight control.
4. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, take your medication regularly and follow your doctor's dietary instructions (e.g., low-sodium or low-salt diet for high blood pressure).
5. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet: cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish, vegetables, poultry, egg whites, and "polyunsaturated" oils and margarines.
6. Avoid meat, egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese, coconut and palm oils, and other fatty and fried foods.
7. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects : Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, indigestion, excessive or foul-smelling sweat, headaches, dizziness, unusual sensations, skin rash, itching, easy bruising, blurred vision, watery or irritated eyes, insomnia, ringing in ears. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking probucol, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart attacks or arrhythmias or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you wish to become pregnant, discuss this matter with your doctor; use a reliable method of birth control for at least six months after stopping this drug.
2. Before you take probucol, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antidepressants, tranquilizers, beta blockers, digoxin, and other medication for irregular heartbeat.
3. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and away from moisture.