Acebutolol hydrochloride (
Sectral®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
As with any medicine, acebutolol may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects (most people actually tolerate it quite well). If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Acebutolol to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Acebutolol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this product if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Acebutolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. In addition to blocking beta receptors, however, acebutolol also very slightly stimulates the beta receptors. Only a few beta blockers do this; this slight stimulatory action is known as "intrinsic sympathomimetic activity," or ISA.
Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) bind to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as:
By blocking beta receptors, acebutolol causes the reverse effect of stress hormones and reduces blood pressure. It also suppresses certain irregular heartbeats that originate in the wrong part of the heart (known specifically as premature ventricular
contractions or PVCs).
It is also important to note that acebutolol is more likely to block beta-1 receptors (such as those in the heart), opposed to beta-2 receptors (such as those found in the lungs). Theoretically, this may make the medication safer than other beta blockers for people with breathing problems such as
asthma.
When and How to Take Acebutolol
Some general considerations include the following:
- Acebutolol comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
- You can take this medication either with a meal or on an empty stomach.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Acebutolol will not work if you stop taking it.
- In general, this medication should not be stopped suddenly, as serious problems (including heart attacks) may result.
The dose that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Acebutolol Drug Interactions
An overdose is likely to cause dangerously low
blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heart rate (bradycardia), and other serious problems. If you happen to overdose on acebutolol, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Acebutolol?
If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as your remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
This medication is available in generic form.
Brand-name acebutolol is made by Mova Pharmaceutical Corporation for Reddy Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
Acebutolol capsules come in the following strengths:
- Acebutolol 200 mg
- Acebutolol 400 mg.
