Review Drug

Brand name: Sectral.Trade names Prent,Sectral.

Used in the following combined preparation: Secadrex

General Information

Acebutolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers, which work by reducing the heart rate. They are used in the treatment of angina, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and hypertension high blood pressure). Acebutolol is sometimes prescribed together with a diuretic to treat hypertension.

Because acebutolol does not cure heart disease, but only controls the symptoms, it may have to be taken continuously over a long period, possibly for life.

Quick Reference

Drug group

Beta blocker

Overdose danger rating

Medium

Dependence rating

Low

Prescription needed

Yes

Available as generic

No

Information For Users

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, capsules.

Frequency and timing of doses

1-2 x daily.

Adult dosage range

Angina 400-1,200mg daily.
Arrhythmias 400-1,200mg daily.
Hypertension 400-800mg daily.

Onset of effect

1-4 hours. Full beneficial effect on blood pressure may take some weeks.

Duration of action

Up to 24 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a
single dose now and skip the next.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug may lead
to dangerous worsening of the underlying condition or precipitation of a heart
attack.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken,
notify your doctor.

Special Precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You have heart failure.

You have a lung disorder such as asthma or bronchitis. You have allergies. You have diabetes.

You have circulatory disease.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Not prescribed.

Over 60

Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may be necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how acebutolol affects you because
the drug can cause dizziness.

Alcohol

No known problems with small intake.

Surgery and general anaesthetics

Acebutolol may need to be stopped before you have a general anaesthetic. Discuss this with your doctor or dentist before any surgery.

Possible adverse effects

Acebutolol has adverse effects that are common to most beta blockers. Symptoms
such as fatigue and nausea are usually temporary and diminish with long-term use.

Acebutolol can occasionally provoke or worsen asthma and heart problems.
Fainting may be a sign that the drug has slowed the heartbeat excessively.

Interactions

Calcium channel blockers Taken with acebutolol, some of these drugs may further
decrease blood pressure and/or heart rate and may also reduce the force of the
heart’s pumping action.

Decongestants used with acebutolol may increase blood pressure and/or heart rate.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the antihypertensive
effect of acebutolol.

Anti-arrhythmic drugs When taken with acebutolol, these drugs may increase the
risk of adverse effects on the heart.

Prolonged Use

No special problems expected.