Acebutolol

 
What is Acebutolol and why is it prescribed?
Acebutolol is a type of medication known as a beta blocker and is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. When used to treat high blood pressure, it is effective used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications, particularly with a thiazide-type diuretic. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thus reducing pressure within the circulatory system. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Acebutolol regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Acebutolol. You must continue taking Acebutolol even if you are feeling well. Acebutolol does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control.

How should you take Acebutolol?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Acebutolol. Acebutolol can be taken with or without food. Take Acebutolol exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If Acebutolol is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it's within four hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Acebutolol at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed and protected from light.

Are there any Acebutolol side effects?
Acebutolol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Acebutolol side effects may include abnormal vision, chest pain, constipation, cough, decreased sexual ability, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, gas, headache, indigestion, joint pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, strange dreams, swelling due to fluid retention, trouble sleeping, and weakness. Less common or rare Acebutolol side effects may include abdominal pain, anxiety, back pain, burning eyes, cold hands and feet, conjunctivitis, dark urine, excessive urination at night, eye pain, fever, heart failure, impotence, itching, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nervousness, painful or difficult urination, rash, slow heartbeat, throat inflammation, vomiting, and wheezing.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Acebutolol?
If Acebutolol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Acebutolol with Albuterol (the airway-opening drug Ventolin), Certain blood pressure medicines such as reserpine (Diupres), Certain over-the-counter cold remedies and nasal drops (such as Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, and Sudafed), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin and Voltaren), or Oral diabetes drugs (such as Micronase).

Are there any special warnings about Acebutolol?
If you have had severe congestive heart failure in the past, Acebutolol should be used with caution. Acebutolol should not be stopped suddenly. This can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced. If you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies, other bronchial conditions, coronary artery disease, or kidney or liver disease, this medication should be used with caution. Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Acebutolol. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow. This medication may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Acebutolol if you have a medical emergency, or before you have any surgery. Tell your doctor if you are taking over-the-counter cold medications and nasal drops. They may interact with Acebutolol. If you experience difficulty breathing, or develop hives or large areas of swelling, seek medical attention immediately. You may be having a serious allergic reaction to the medicine. Acebutolol can also make other severe allergies worse.
 

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor.

 

Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved.