Is There a Generic Version of Levatol?
Levatol® (
penbutolol sulfate) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as
beta blockers. It is approved for
treating high blood pressure (
hypertension). It is one of just a few beta blockers with "intrinsic sympathomimetic activity" (ISA), which means that it slightly stimulates beta receptors while simultaneously blocking them.
Levatol is made by Schwarz Pharma. Even though the patents for this medication have expired, no generic versions of Levatol are available at this time.
When Will Generic Levatol Be Available?
It is difficult (if not impossible) to predict when a generic version of this drug may become available. It is not entirely clear why no manufacturers have chosen to make a generic Levatol. As previously stated, the patents for this medication have expired. Perhaps there is not a large enough market for this product for a generic version to be profitable.
Is Penbutolol a Generic Levatol?
No -- penbutolol is the active ingredient in Levatol, but is not a generic version of it.
What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
