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Medications and Drugs

Pharmacy Author: Annette O. Gbemudu, PharmD, MBA
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: acebutolol

BRAND NAME: Sectral, Prent

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Acebutolol is a drug that blocks receptors (beta-adrenergic receptors) on nerves of the sympathetic nervous system that is used to treat high blood pressure and ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms of the heart). Other beta-adrenergic agents within the same class as acebutolol include, atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol (Betoptic), celiprolol (Cardem), bisoprolol (Zebeta), esmolol (Brevibloc), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), and nebivolol (Bystolic). Acebutolol and other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs work by blocking the action of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and epinephrine, that nerves use to communicate with each other. Blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart allows the heart to beat more slowly thereby reducing the amount of blood that the heart must pump and, therefore, the work that the heart must do and the amount of oxygen it must use. Over time, this action improves the pumping of the heart.

Acebutolol and drugs within its class differ from other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs because they are selective beta blockers, that is, they block one type of beta-adrenergic receptor, the beta-l receptor, rather than multiple types of beta-adrenergic receptors like other beta-adrenergic blockers that are nonselective. This is especially important, in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who require treatment with beta-adrenergic blocking drugs because blocking the non-beta-1 receptors can make asthma or COPD worse. Acebutolol was approved by the FDA in December 1984.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 200 and 400 mg.

STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature, 77 F (25 C), away from light and moisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Acebutolol is used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure and arrhythmias. It also is used to treat chest pain due to coronary artery disease (angina) in which the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart are inadequate for the heart to pump normally.

DOSING: Acebutolol can be taken with or without food, usually once or twice daily. The dosage of acebutolol should be reduced in patients with dysfunction of the kidneys or liver since kidney or liver disease reduce the elimination of acebutolol.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The use of beta-blockers together with fenoldopam (Corlopam), a drug used to manage severe high blood pressure, may result in unexpectedly low blood pressure since beta-adrenergic blocking drugs add to the blood pressure-lowering effects of fenoldopam.

With concomitant use of clonidine (Catapres) and beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, severe high blood pressure may occur if patients abruptly discontinue the clonidine. Because of this effect, it is advisable to discontinue beta-adrenergic blocking drugs prior to starting clonidine.

Using epinephrine (Adrenalin, EpiPen) and beta-adrenergic blocking drugs together causes high blood pressure and a slow heartbeat since the beta-adrenergic stimulating effects of epinephrine that raise blood pressure and heart rate are exaggerated by the beta-adrenergic blocking drugs which prevent dilation of the blood vessels and increase the heart rate. To avoid this effect, it is best not to use both drugs together. If, however, both drugs are administered together, it is important to monitor blood pressure levels. Also, high blood pressure and a slow heartbeat are less likely to occur if beta-adrenergic blocking drugs that are selective for the heart such as atenolol (Tenormin) and acebutolol (Sectral) are used.

Epinephrine- and norepinephrine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine (Harmonyl), may have an additive effect when given with beta-blocking drugs and cause an abnormally slow heart beat or low blood pressure, which may give rise to dizziness or fainting.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of acebutolol in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus

NURSING MOTHERS: Acebutolol is excreted in human milk, and use among nursing mothers is discouraged.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most adverse reactions to acebutolol have been mild, not required discontinuation of therapy, and tended to decrease as the duration of treatment increases. Adverse events include dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive tiredness, headache, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach and muscle aches. With serious adverse events such as shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the feet and lower legs and chest pain, it is advisable to contact a doctor immediately.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 7/31/2009




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Chest pain is a common symptom that is caused by many different conditions. Some causes require prompt medical attention, such as angina, heart attack, or tearing of the aorta. Other causes of chest pain that may not require immediate medical intervention include spasm of the esophagus, gallbladder attack, or inflammation of the chest wall. An accurate diagnosis is important in providing proper treatment to patients with chest pain.

The diagnosis and treatment of angina is discussed below, as well as the diagnosis of other causes of chest pain that can mimic angina.

What is angina, and what are the symptoms of angina?

Angina (angina pectoris - Latin for squeezing of the chest) is chest discomfort that occurs when there is a decreased blood oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle. In most cases, the lack of blood supply is due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of arterioscler...

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