Acebutolol Overdose

As with any medication, it is possible to overdose on acebutolol. Symptoms may include constriction of the airway, slow heart rate, and low blood sugar. The specific effects of an overdose will vary depending on how much of the medication was taken and whether it was combined with other substances. Overdose treatment options may include "pumping the stomach" or supportive care.

Acebutolol Drug Information

Can You Take Too Much Acebutolol?

Acebutolol hydrochloride (Sectral^®) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). As with most medications, it is possible to take too much acebutolol. The specific effects of an acebutolol overdose can be dangerous but will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the acebutolol dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.

Effects of an Overdose

An overdose of acebutolol or other beta blockers may cause the following problems:

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
Constriction of the airway, which may cause breathing problems
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Congestive heart failure
Coma.

Treatment for an Acebutolol Overdose

The treatment for an overdose with this drug will vary. If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Dialysis is not useful for removing acebutolol from the blood. Treatment will also involve supportive care, such as:

Giving medications to control the heart rate
Giving IV fluids and medications to increase blood pressure
Giving asthma medications to reverse airway constriction
Giving IV glucose to reverse low blood sugar.

It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have taken an acebutolol overdose.