Acebutolol belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. It is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It works by reducing the demands put on the heart.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

The recommended adult dose of acebutolol ranges from 100 mg twice daily to 400 mg twice daily depending on circumstances. Acebutolol can be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important to take this medication regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

100 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, scored and identified "NU" over "100" on one side, contains acebutolol HCl equivalent to acebutolol 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, dextrates, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol (carbowax) and titanium dioxide. Energy: <1 kJ (0.10 kcal). Gluten-, sodium- and tartrazine-free.

200 mg
Each white, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet, scored and identified "NU 200" on one side, contains acebutolol HCl equivalent to acebutolol 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, dextrates, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol (carbowax) and titanium dioxide. Energy: <1 kJ (0.21 kcal). Gluten-, sodium- and tartrazine-free.

400 mg
Each white, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablet, scored and identified "NU 400" on one side, contains acebutolol HCl equivalent to acebutolol 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, dextrates, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol (carbowax) and titanium dioxide. Energy: <1.73 kJ (0.41 kcal). Gluten-, sodium- and tartrazine-free.

Acebutolol should not be taken by anyone with:

• an allergy to acebutolol or any ingredient of the medication
• a severely slow heart rate
• serious heart block (second- and third-degree AV block)
• heart failure
• right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension (excessive blood pressure in the lungs)
• cardiogenic shock
• scheduled anesthesia with an agent that causes myocardial depression (e.g., ether)

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risk and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common
• decreased sexual ability
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness (slight)
• difficulty sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common or rare
• anxiety
• nervousness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dry, sore eyes
• frequent urination
• itching of skin
• nausea or vomiting
• nightmares and vivid dreams
• numbness or tingling of fingers or toes
• stomach discomfort
• stuffy nose

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
• breathing difficulty or wheezing
• cold hands and feet
• depression
• shortness of breath
• slow heartbeat (especially less than 50 beats per minute)
• swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs

Rare
• back or joint pain
• chest pain
• confusion
• dark urine
• dizziness upon arising (orthostatic hypotension)
• fever and sore throat
• hallucinations
• irregular heartbeat
• red, scaling, or crusted skin
• skin rash
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Kidney disease: People with kidney disease should be cautious while taking acebutolol as they may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects.

Low blood sugar: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable to people taking acebutolol. People with diabetes who take insulin or other medications that work by reducing the blood sugar should be cautious and monitor blood sugar carefully while taking this medication.

Medical conditions: People with asthma and certain other breathing problems should, in general, not receive a beta-blocker such as acebutolol. Low doses of acebutolol may be used with caution by people with asthma who do not respond to or who cannot tolerate other treatment.

Stopping the medication abruptly: Acebutolol should not be stopped suddenly by people who take it to treat angina. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina and of heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring for people with angina pectoris who have done this.

Thyroid disorders: This medication may mask the signs of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). If the medication is stopped suddenly, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism may become much worse.

Pregnancy: There has been no experience with the use of acebutolol by pregnant women. It should not be taken by pregnant women. Its use by women who may become pregnant requires that the anticipated benefit be cautiously weighed against possible risks.

Breast-feeding: Acebutolol appears in breast milk. Its use by nursing mothers is not recommended.

The following medications may affect how acebutolol works or increase the risk of side effects:

• calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, verapamil)
• clonidine
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• phenylephrine
• pseudoephedrine
• reserpine

The following medications may be affected by acebutolol:

• antidiabetic drugs (e.g., glyburide, metformin)
• insulin
• prazosin
• theophylline

If you are taking any medications containing this drug, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.