Acebutolol

Acebutolol or acebutolol is a drug to lower blood pressure in hypertension. In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders or angina pectoris.

Acebutolol is a beta-blocker drug that works by blocking beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This will slow the heart rate, reduce tension in the heart and blood vessels, and lower blood pressure.

What Is Acebutolol 

Warnings Before Taking Acebutolol

Acebutolol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking acebutolol:

• Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Acebutolol should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have severe heart failure or heart rhythm disturbances, such as AV block or  severe bradycardia. Acetabutolol should not be used by patients with these conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, Raynaud’s syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, kidney disease, or depression.
• Do not drive or perform activities that require alertness while taking acebutolol, as this medication may cause dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking acebutolol before having surgery or any medical procedure, including dental surgery.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking acebutolol.

Acebutolol Dosage and Usage Rules

The dosage of acebutolol is determined based on the patient’s condition and the body’s response to the drug. The following are the doses of acebutolol for adults based on the purpose of use:

• Purpose: Treating hypertension
  Initial dose 200–400 mg, 1–2 times daily. The dose can be increased after 2 weeks of treatment to 400 mg, 2 times daily. The maximum dose is 1,200 mg per day divided into several doses.
• Purpose: Treating arrhythmia
  Initial dose 200 mg, 2 times daily. The dose can be increased according to the patient’s response. Maximum dose 1,200 mg per day divided into several doses.
• Purpose: Treat angina pectoris
  Initial dose 200–400 mg, 1–2 times daily. Maximum dose 1,200 mg per day divided into several doses.

How to Take Acebutolol CorrectlyUse acebutolol as directed by your doctor and do not forget to read the information on the medicine packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the medicine beyond the recommended time period.

Acebutolol can be taken with or without food. Use water to swallow the capsules. Do not chew, split, or crush the capsules as this may increase the risk of side effects.

Take acebutolol at the same time every day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you forget to take it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double the dose.

In addition to taking acebutolol, you are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly so that treatment is more effective. Pay attention to your daily food menu and avoid foods that contain a lot of salt (sodium).

Check with your doctor regularly while using acebutolol so that the development of the condition can be monitored.

Store acebutolol at room temperature in a closed container. Avoid direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.

Acebutolol Interactions with Other Drugs

The use of acebutolol together with other drugs can cause several interaction effects, including:

• Decreased effectiveness of acebutolol if used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
• Increased levels of aminophylline or theophylline  in the blood can increase the risk of side effects, such as tremors or insomnia.
• Decreased effectiveness of nasal decongestant medications, such as ephedrine
• Increased risk of side effects if used with diltiazem or verapamil
• Increased effectiveness of acebutolol when used with other antihypertensive drugs, such as atenolol, reserpine, metoprolol, clonidine, or betaxolol

Acebutolol Side Effects and Dangers

There are several side effects that can arise from using acebutolol, including:

• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation
• Unusual fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Insomnia

See a doctor if the above-mentioned complaints do not subside or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Hard to breathe
• Swelling in the legs
• Chest pain
• Heart beat feels very slow
• Anxious, confused, or depressed
• Severe dizziness to the point of fainting
• Liver disorders, which can be characterized by dark urine, nausea and vomiting, jaundice

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