$Unique_ID{BRK03007} $Pretitle{} $Title{acebutolol} $Subject{Sectral Wyeth-Ayerst Beta-adrenergic blocking agent acebutolol blood pressure irregular heartbeat beta blockers} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. acebutolol ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Sectral (Wyeth-Ayerst) TYPE OF DRUG Beta-adrenergic blocking agent INGREDIENT acebutolol DOSAGE FORM Capsules (200 mg and 400 mg) STORAGE Acebutolol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES Acebutolol is used to treat high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Acebutolol belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents or, more commonly, beta blockers. These drugs work by controlling impulses along certain nerve pathways, thereby decreasing the workload on the heart and helping to regulate the heartbeat. TREATMENT Acebutolol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk (as directed by your doctor). In order to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it at the same time(s) each day. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose of the medication. It is important to remember that acebutolol does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Abdominal pain, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes, fatigue, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, runny nose, sleeping problems, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the drug. If you are extra-sensitive to the cold, be sure to dress warmly during cold weather. Plain, nonmedicated eye drops (artificial tears) may help to relieve eye dryness. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and whole-grain breads) unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pain; cold fingers or feet (due to decreased blood circulation to skin, fingers, and toes); confusion; cough; depression; fluid accumulation; hair loss; impotence; itching; muscle, joint or back pain; numbness; rash; shortness of breath; sore throat; swelling of the feet; unusual bleeding or bruising; urination problems; visual disturbances or eye pain; or wheezing. INTERACTIONS Acebutolol may interact with other types of medications: 1. Indomethacin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin, or other salicylates may decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers. 2. Concurrent use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil) or disopyramide can lead to heart failure or very low blood pressure. 3. Side effects may also be increased if beta blockers are taken with digoxin, epinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenothiazine tranquilizers, reserpine, clonidine, prazosin, or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. At least 14 days should separate the use of a beta blocker and the use of an MAO inhibitor. 4. Beta blockers may antagonize (work against) the effects of theophylline, aminophylline, albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, and terbutaline. 5. Beta blockers can also interact with insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents--raising or lowering blood sugar levels or masking the symptoms of low blood sugar. 6. The action of beta blockers may be increased if they are used with chlorpromazine, cimetidine, furosemide, hydralazine, or oral contraceptives (birth control pills), which could have a negative effect. 7. Alcohol, barbiturates, and rifampin can decrease blood concentrations of this drug, which can result in a decrease of effectiveness. Before starting acebutolol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are already taking, especially any of the medications listed above. WARNINGS * Before starting this medication, it is important to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to acebutolol or any other beta blocker (atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, heart block, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the fingers or toes), severe bradycardia (slowed heart rate), or thyroid disease. * You may want to check your pulse while taking this medication. If your pulse is much slower than your usual rate (or if it is less than 50 beats per minute), check with your doctor. A pulse rate that is too slow may cause circulation problems. * This medicine may affect your body's response to exercise. Ask your doctor what an appropriate amount of exercise would be for you, taking into account your medical condition. * It is important that you do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, and the danger of a heart attack is increased in some patients. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of medicine you take before stopping completely. Make sure that you have enough medicine on hand to last through vacations, holidays, and weekends. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell your physician or dentist that you are taking this medicine. Often, this medication will be discontinued 48 hours prior to any major surgery. * While taking this medicine, do not use any over-the-counter allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus, or diet preparation without first checking with your pharmacist or doctor. The combination of these drugs with a beta blocker can result in high blood pressure. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although acebutolol appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of acebutolol may pass into human breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.