March 21, 2007

Hypertension Beta Blocker - Acebutolol

Acebutolol - pronounced as (a se BYOO toe lole). This beta blocker blocks chemicals that stimulate the body.

Common Brand Names
U.S. Brand Names: Sectral®
Canadian Brand Names: Apo-Acebutolol®; Gen-Acebutolol; Monitan®; Novo-Acebutolol; Nu-Acebutolol; Rhotral; Rhoxal-acebutolol; Sandoz-Acebutolol; Sectral®

Pharmacologic Category: Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class II; Beta Blocker With Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. To avoid side effects, you will want to slowly stop it.

Reasons not to take this beta blocker hypertension medicine
• If you have an allergy to acebutolol or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Severely weakened heart or slow heartbeat without a working pacemaker.
• If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant.

What is this beta blocker medicine used for?
• This medicine is used to treat chest pain or pressure.
• This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.
• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

How is it best taken?
• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
• Do not run out of this medicine.
• Wear disease medical alert identification.
• If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you are diabetic and have low blood sugar, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine hides the signs of low blood sugar except sweating.
• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
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

What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.