by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: July 21, 2010   Last Updated: September 03, 2010

Acebutolol is an Antihypertensive drug in the beta adrenergic blocker family. It is a prescription only drug. Unlike other beta adrenergic blockers (propranolol) this drug has low side effects profile. It is due to its ability to partially stimulate beta adrenergic receptor. It causes less reduction of the heart rate and less coldness in fingers and toes.

Acebutolol shares some side effects of beta adrenergic blocking agents. But in usual dosage, it is well tolerated and has low side effects profile. The incidence and severity of the side effects can be alleviated by lowering the dosage. If you are taking the drug, do not discontinue abruptly, because it can cause angina and even myocardial infarctions in susceptible people.

If the patient has sick sinus syndrome, supraventricular tachycardia, prinzmetal’s angina, Bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Heart disease then patient must discuss with the doctor before taking Acebutolol. Before prescribing doctor should know the drugs patient is taking including all the over the counter and herbal medications.

This drug is available as tablets. It should be taken with a full glass of water as prescribed by the doctor. It should not be crushed before use.

Common side effects

Acebutolol causes reduction in heart rate to some extent. Some patients may not tolerate sudden reduction of heart rate and complain dizziness, light headedness, and faintish ness, especially elderly patients. Patients are advised to take the first dose of the drug then lie in the bed for at least two hours. Later body adapts to these symptoms and patient can continue his/her daily routine. Nausea and diarrhea occur in around 2% of patients. Dry mouth is another common side effect.

Patients can have reduced exercise tolerance and easy fatigability with Acebutolol.

Rare side effects

Rare adverse effects of Acebutolol include dizziness, fatigue, and mental depression. Few patients can have lethargy, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, lightheadedness, and vertigo. Rarely patients complain visual disturbances, disorientation, emotional lability, and psychosis.

Important interactions

Acebutolol can mask the symptoms of low blood glucose in diabetic patients receiving blood glucose lowering agents (diaonil). Sometimes this can become dangerous.

Patients can have enhanced hypotensive effect, when Acebutolol taken with alcohol. This can leads to syncope attacks.

Pregnancy

Acebutolol may cause intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), hypoglycemia in new born, and bradycardia in new born.

Breast feeding

Significant amounts present in milk. So avoid taking this drug during breast feeding.

Sources

British National Formulary (www.bnf.org)

AHFS Drug information

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