Uses
What is acebutolol used for?
Acebutolol is commonly used for the following conditions.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Abnormal heart rhythm (ventricular arrhythmia)
Acebutolol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does acebutolol work (mechanism of action)?
Acebutolol blocks beta-1 receptors in your heart. These receptors normally bind to hormones called catecholamines. When catecholamines bind to these receptors, it causes your heart to beat harder and faster. Blocking these receptors helps your heart beat more slowly. This can help prevent abnormal heart rhythm, lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is acebutolol supplied (dosage forms)?
Acebutolol is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 200 mg oral capsules
- 400 mg oral capsules
How should I store acebutolol?
Acebutolol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of acebutolol?
The most common side effects of acebutolol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
There may be other side effects of acebutolol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of acebutolol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of acebutolol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
New or Worsening Heart Failure. Acebutolol may worsen existing heart failure or cause fluid buildup in your body. For individuals with underlying heart disease or heart damage, acebutolol can potentially lead to heart failure over time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Heart Rate Changes. Acebutolol can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or easily tired
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Acebutolol may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Peripheral Vascular Disease. Acebutolol can cause the heart to pump less blood to the rest of the body. This can make blood flow problems to the arms, legs and intestines worse.
Breathing Problems. Acebutolol may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using acebutolol and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Acebutolol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using acebutolol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use acebutolol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use acebutolol.
- Sectral
- Acebutolol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific acebutolol products they stock.
Bradycardia. Acebutolol should not be used if your heart is beating too slow (bradycardia).
Heart Block. Acebutolol should not be used if the electrical signals in your heart move too slow (heart block).
Severe or Worsening Heart Failure. Acebutolol should not be used if your heart failure is severe or getting worse, causing you to feel very tired, have trouble breathing, or swelling in your legs.
Cardiogenic Shock. Acebutolol should not be used if you have a life-threatening condition called cardiogenic shock where your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
What should I know about acebutolol before using it?
Do not take acebutolol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share acebutolol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep acebutolol out of the reach of children.
Acebutolol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how acebutolol affects you.
Stopping acebutolol suddenly may lead to chest pain, heart attack and death in people with heart disease. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using acebutolol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if acebutolol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart or circulation problems
- Breathing problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Thyroid problems
Diabetes. Acebutolol can decrease early signs of low blood sugar, such as fast heartbeat, and make it more likely for the low blood sugar to be serious, especially for people with diabetes.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acebutolol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Acebutolol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop acebutolol.
Interactions
Does acebutolol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between acebutolol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect acebutolol. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking acebutolol.
Does acebutolol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking acebutolol.
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- An alpha-adrenergic agonist, such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for cold and congestion
- Any medicine for irregular heart rate or rhythm
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for diabetes
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much acebutolol?
If you or someone else has used too much acebutolol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of acebutolol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Acebutolol?
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