We describe a sensitive, specific liquid-chromatographic determination of penbutolol and its 4-hydroxy metabolite in plasma and urine. The method involves a simple organic extraction, evaporation of the solvent, reconstitution in methanol/water, and injection into the chromatograph. Penbutolol, its metabolites, and the internal standard, propranolol, are resolved on a CN reversed-phase column and detected fluorometrically. Conjugates of penbutolol and its 4-hydroxy metabolite may be determined after a 2-h enzymic hydrolysis. Detection limits are in the range of 3 to 12 micrograms/L of plasma. The assay is reproducible and nearly free of interferences. Representative concentrations in blood and urine of normal volunteers are reported.