Probucol

Generic name: Probucol [ PROE-byoo-kole ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 16, 2024.

Uses of Probucol:

• It is used to lower cholesterol.
• It is used to lower triglycerides.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Probucol?

• If you are allergic to probucol; any part of probucol; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: A heartbeat that is not normal, heart disease, or liver disease.
• If you have a long QT on ECG.
• If you are taking any drugs that can cause a certain type of heartbeat that is not normal (prolonged QT interval). There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• If you have an enlarged colon.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take probucol if you are pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take probucol.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with probucol.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take probucol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Probucol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take probucol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• You may need to have an ECG checked before starting probucol and while taking it. Talk with your doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use probucol with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking probucol and for 6 months after stopping probucol.

How is this medicine (Probucol) best taken?

Use probucol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take at breakfast and dinner.
• Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• Keep taking probucol as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Ringing in ears.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Sweating a lot.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Very bad muscle pain or weakness.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Probucol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Not able to sleep.
• Bloating.
• Belly pain.
• Not hungry.
• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Probucol?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer