Acebutolol hydrochloride is a selective, hydrophilic beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent with mild intrinsic sympathomimetic activity for use as a high blood pressure medicine people with ventricular arrhythmias. It is marketed in capsule form for oral administration. Acebutolol hydrochloride capsules are available in two strengths which contain 200 or 400 mg of acebutolol as the hydrochloride salt. .
Acebutolol HCl is a white or slightly off-white powder freely soluble in water, and less soluble in alcohol. Chemically it is defined as the hydrochloride salt of Butanamide, N-[3-acetyl-4-[2-hydroxy-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]propoxy]-phenyl]-,(+/-)- or(+/-) -3’-Acetyl-4[2- hydroxy-3-(isopropylamino) propoxy] butyranilide.
Acebutolol can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma,chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), acebutolol can cause dangerously slow heart rates, and even shock. Acebutolol reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping acebutolol can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to discontinue acebutolol, its dosage can be reduced gradually over several weeks. Acebutolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.
Acebutololis generally well tolerated and side effects are mild and transient. Rare side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation,fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, dreaming, memory loss,fever, impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing.
Take acebutolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
-Take this medication with a full glass of water.
-Take acebutolol at the same time every day.
-Do not skip doses or stop taking acebutolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
-To be sure this hihg blood pressure medicine is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
-If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using acebutolol. You may need to briefly stop using acebutolol before having surgery.
-Acebutolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for high blood pressure that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
-high blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
-Store acebutolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.