Acebutolol (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Do not stop taking acebutolol without talking to your doctor first. If acebutolol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack in some people

Why this medication is prescribed

Acebutolol is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. Acebutolol also is used to treat an irregular heartbeat.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medicine should be used

Acebutolol comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acebutolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Acebutolol controls your condition but does not cure it. Continue to take acebutolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking acebutolol without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Acebutolol is also used sometimes to treat chest pain (angina). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Special Precautions

Before taking acebutolol:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acebutolol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; reserpine; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; asthma or other lung diseases; diseases of the blood vessels; severe allergies; diabetes; or an overactive thyroid gland.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acebutolol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking acebutolol.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Special Dietary Instructions

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects:

Acebutolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• headache
• constipation
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• muscle aches

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath or wheezing
• swelling of the feet and lower legs
• chest pain

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage Conditions needed for this Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other Information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. 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.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Sectral®