acebutolol hydrochloride at a glance
Class
Cardioselective beta blocker with partial agonist activity.
Licensed uses
High blood pressure, angina and control of tachyarrhythmias.
Taking the tablet
Swallow with water; do not chew or crush.
Stopping treatment
Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal should be planned by the prescriber.
What is acebutolol hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
High blood pressure.
Angina.
Control of tachyarrhythmias.
How does acebutolol hydrochloride work?
It preferentially blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, reducing stress-hormone effects on heart rate and blood pressure. It and its active metabolite, diacetolol, also have antiarrhythmic activity.
acebutolol hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 400 mg
How to take acebutolol hydrochloride
Take it exactly as prescribed. Food does not appear to affect absorption.
Swallow the tablet with water.
Do not chew or crush it.
The selected film-coated tablet is scored and can be divided equally.
Do not stop without prescriber advice, particularly with ischaemic heart disease.
acebutolol hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tiredness
- Stomach or bowel upset
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Dizziness or headache
- Nightmares or low mood
- Visual disturbance
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- New wheezing, chest tightness or severe breathlessness
- Fainting or symptoms of a markedly slow heartbeat
- Increasing breathlessness or swelling suggesting worsening heart failure
- Yellow skin or eyes, which may indicate liver injury
- A lupus-like illness or severe skin reaction
acebutolol hydrochloride in pregnancy
It may be used during pregnancy when a doctor considers it necessary, but treatment should be reviewed promptly. Fetal growth monitoring may be offered, and use near delivery can temporarily affect the newborn’s heart rate or blood glucose. Do not stop without speaking to the maternity or cardiac team.
acebutolol hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product contraindicates breastfeeding because acebutolol and its active metabolite enter breast milk and effects have occurred in breastfed infants. Discuss a clinically suitable alternative with the prescriber.
acebutolol hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Verapamil or diltiazem
Can cause excessive heart slowing, conduction problems, low blood pressure or heart failure; specialist oversight is required.
Fingolimod
May markedly increase bradycardia risk; concurrent use is generally not recommended.
Digoxin, amiodarone or class I antiarrhythmics
Additive effects may slow cardiac conduction or impair contraction, requiring clinical and ECG monitoring.
Common questions about acebutolol hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it prescribed for?
The selected product is licensed for high blood pressure, angina and control of tachyarrhythmias.
Can the tablets be crushed?
No. Swallow the selected tablet with water; do not chew or crush it.
Can I stop it suddenly?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.