Acebutolol is a beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension and arrhythmias, marketed under the brand name Sectral, among others. Acebutolol is a prescription medicine. It's delivered as an oral capsule.

As the brand-name drug Sectral, and as a generic drug, Acebutolol oral capsule is available. In some cases, they might not be available as a brand-name drug in all strengths or forms. As part of combination therapy with other drugs, acebutolol can be taken.

What are the Uses of Acebutolol Tablet?

Acebutolol tablet is used for treating high blood pressure and pulse irregularities (arrhythmia). Lowering the high blood pressure helps you to avoid health conditions such as strokes, kidney complications, and heart attacks by reducing the workload on the heart.

Conditions Acebutolol is Used to Treat

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
  • Angina (chest pain)
  • Post-heart attack management to reduce cardiac workload
  • Ventricular premature beats (abnormal heartbeats)

Secondary Uses of Acebutolol

  • Management of anxiety-related palpitations
  • Off-label use in certain migraine prevention cases
  • Sometimes used in hyperthyroidism-related cardiac symptoms (under supervision)

How does Acebutolol work?

  • Acebutolol belongs to a drug class known as beta-blockers. A group of medicines that function in the same way is a class of drugs. For the treatment of related conditions/health issues, these medications can also be used.
  • This medication works by blocking hormones, such as adrenaline, from activating certain receptors (beta) located in your blood vessels and heart. Your blood vessels and heart remain relaxed by preventing the activation of these receptors. This helps decrease your pulse and blood pressure.
  • High blood pressure also occurs when you tighten your blood vessels. That strains the heart and boosts the need for oxygen in your body. Acebutolol also helps reduce your heart rate and the demand for oxygen from your heart.

How to Use Acebutolol?

  • Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually once or twice a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and your treatment response.
  • To get the most benefit from it, use this medication periodically. To help you recall, take it each day at the same time(s).
  • It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug for the treatment of high blood pressure. Even if you feel well, keep on taking this medication. The majority of individuals with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

If your condition does not get improved, or if it'starts getting worse, tell your doctor (for example if your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Dosage of Acebutolol

Take Acebutolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water do not crush or chew it. Take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.

What happens if an Overdose?

An overdose of Acebutolol can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Acebutolol Overdose May Include:

  • Severely slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or mental clouding
  • Seizures (in severe cases)
  • Bluish fingernails or lips due to poor circulation

Consult your healthcare provider before taking medication. Immediate medical attention is required if an overdose is suspected.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If a dose is missing, use it as soon as you know. If it is almost the time for the next dose to be taken is close, skip the forgotten dose. At a normal time, use the next dose. Do not double the dosage.

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What are the Side Effects of Acebutolol?

Common Side Effects of Acebutolol

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Fainting
  • Mental/mood changes
  • Reduce blood flow to your hands and feet

If these effects persist or worsen, notify your healthcare provider promptly. When changing positions from sitting or lying down, do so slowly to minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness.

Serious but Rare Side Effects of Acebutolol

While most people tolerate acebutolol well, some may experience serious but rare side effects. These require immediate medical attention:

  • Severe bradycardia (very slow heartbeat)
  • Heart block or worsening heart failure symptoms
  • Breathing difficulties (especially in people with asthma or COPD)
  • Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine)
  • Mood changes (depression, confusion, hallucinations)
  • Skin rash or itching (could indicate an allergic reaction)
  • Cold hands and feet due to reduced circulation

Precautions and Warnings

Who Should Avoid Acebutolol?

  • Pregnant women (unless prescribed under strict supervision)
  • Breastfeeding mothers, as the drug may pass into breast milk
  • Children, unless specifically recommended by a doctor
  • Individuals with a history of severe asthma or chronic lung diseases
  • People with severe bradycardia, heart block, or uncontrolled heart failure

Conditions Where Caution Is Needed

  • Liver or kidney impairment
  • Diabetes, as acebutolol may mask low blood sugar symptoms
  • Thyroid disorders, as it may affect heart rate monitoring
  • Allergies to beta-blockers
  • Circulation problems like Raynaud s disease

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Acebutolol?

Acebutolol is generally not recommended for children unless prescribed by a pediatric specialist. In older adults, dosage adjustments may be needed due to slower metabolism.

Alcohol or Food Interactions

  • Avoid alcohol while taking acebutolol, as it can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further.
  • No major food interactions, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach discomfort in some people.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Acebutolol can interact with various medications, supplements, or herbal products, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about everything you're taking.

How This Medicine May Interact with Other Drugs

  • Other blood pressure medications (like calcium channel blockers or diuretics) may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect, increasing the risk of low blood pressure or slow heart rate.
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs (like amiodarone or digoxin) can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems.
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicines acebutolol, may mask symptoms of low blood sugar (like rapid heartbeat).
  • Anesthetics can intensify the heart-slowing effects of acebutolol during surgery.
  • NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) may reduce the effectiveness of acebutolol in controlling blood pressure.

Possible Impact When Combined with Supplements, Herbal Products

  • Ginseng may interfere with the way acebutolol works.
  • Hawthorn may enhance its blood pressure-lowering effects, possibly leading to dizziness or fainting.
  • Potassium supplements or salt substitutes should be used cautiously, especially if combined with diuretics.

Acebutolol Contraindications

There is a particular group that's not supposed to take Acebutolol HCL. With this drug, the conditions below are contraindicated. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following groups:

  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • A Skeletal Muscle Disorder
  • Complete Heart Block
  • Second-Degree Atrioventricular Heart Block
  • Sinus Bradycardia

How Should Acebutolol Be Stored?

Recommended Storage Temperature for Acebutolol

  • Store at room temperature: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
  • Avoid refrigeration or freezing unless advised by a doctor
  • Keep the medicine in its original packaging

What Happens If Acebutolol Is Not Stored Properly?

  • Exposure to heat, moisture, or sunlight can reduce effectiveness
  • Improper storage may cause the medicine to become unsafe or contaminated
  • May lead to decreased potency, affecting treatment results

Keep Away from Children, Sunlight, or Moisture

  • Always store acebutolol out of reach of children
  • Avoid storing near sources of moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens
  • Protect from direct sunlight to maintain medicine quality

Acebutolol vs Metoprolol

Acebutolol Metoprolol
Formula: C18H28N2O4 Formula: C15H25NO3
Sold under brand Sectral Metoprolol, sold under the brand name Lopressor
Used for treating high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. Used for treating high blood pressure, chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart.
Oral form available Oral form available

References

Acebutolol - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acebutolol (oral route)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, acebutolol is a selective beta-1 blocker, meaning it primarily affects the heart without significantly impacting the lungs.

Acebutolol is sometimes used off-label to reduce anxiety symptoms like rapid heartbeat, but it is not a primary treatment for anxiety disorders.

Both are selective beta-1 blockers, but atenolol is more commonly prescribed for blood pressure and heart conditions, while acebutolol also treats some arrhythmias and has mild intrinsic sympathomimetic activity.

Metoprolol and acebutolol are both effective beta-blockers; the choice depends on the specific heart condition, patient tolerance, and doctor’s recommendation.

There is no single "best" beta-blocker it varies by individual needs, condition, and side effect profile. Your doctor will choose the most suitable one for you.


Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.

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