Acebutolol (Sectral)

Uses of Acebutolol (Sectral)

Acebutolol (Sectral) belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. It is used to treat mild-to-moderate high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It is often used along with other medications that work in different ways to reduce the demands put on the heart.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Acebutolol (Sectral), let your doctor know about all of your health conditions. It’s especially important to tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• diabetes
• poor circulation
• heart failure or other heart problems
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Stopping the drug warning: You should talk to your doctor first before you stop taking this drug. If you have certain conditions and stop taking this drug suddenly, you may have thyroid problems or worsened chest pain. This can even be fatal. Your doctor should gradually decrease your dosage.

Dosage

The initial dosage of Acebutolol (Sectral) in uncomplicated mild-to-moderate hypertension is 400 mg. The usual initial dose of Acebutolol (Sectral) to treat ventricular arrhythmia is 400 mg daily given as 200 mg twice daily.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Acebutolol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• new or worsening chest pain;
• slow heartbeats;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• dangerously high blood pressure–severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats.

Common side effects of acebutolol may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• feeling tired;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• sleep problems (insomnia).