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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