Gen-Acebutolol

Brand Name:Apo-Acebutolol, Monitan, Novo-Acebutolol, Nu-Acebutolol, Rhotral, Sandoz Acebutolol, Sectral

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Acebutolol is primarily used (alone or in combination with other medications) to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension) and reduce the symptoms of angina (chest pain). It can also be used to protect the heart and prevent further damage after a heart attack, and to treat irregular heartbeat conditions (e.g. atrial fibrillation).

Acebutolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to acebutolol, if you have heart rhythm conditions such as second or third degree heart block or severe sinus bradycardia (regular but unusually slow heartbeat). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • asthma or other lung disease
  • circulation problems in your arms and legs (e.g. Raynaud’s, peripheral vascular disease)
  • diabetes
  • problems with low blood sugar
  • heart failure
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
  • problems with your liver or kidney
  • slow heart rate

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • cold hands and feet
  • decrease in exercise tolerance
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • nightmares
  • nausea

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • breathing problems (usually in people with other breathing problems, like asthma or emphysema)
  • impotence
  • significant decrease in heart rate
  • rash (rare)
  • very rare case reports of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) have been reported - call your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • very rarely, a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • diltiazem, verapamil, amiodarone, digoxin – increase your chance of having a slow heartbeat
  • other medications to treat high blood pressure – may increase your chance of experiencing low blood pressure
  • ASA & other anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, voltaren, diclofenac) (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, voltaren) – may influence how well acebutolol can work
  • if you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure, be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure – these include some cough and cold medicines; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
  • insulin or other medications for diabetes – may increase your chance of having low blood sugar or may decrease your ability to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

If you are taking this drug for hypertension, your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to acebutolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking acebutolol.

Children: Not typically recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Are generally not prescribed this drug due to concerns with safety with similar drugs. Other drugs are available. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Generally not recommended. This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Alcohol: Drink in moderation. This medication may add to effects of alcohol since it may cause drowsiness.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause weakness, slow pulse, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, convulsions and possible coma. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping abruptly may cause chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat or severe high blood pressure. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose: Take it when you remember. However, if your next dose is within 4 hours, don’t take the missed dose. Instead, wait and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.