Acebutolol helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine may also be used to treat certain heart problems such as angina pectoris (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen and blood supply), and arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat).
Take Acebutolol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by the doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Acebutolol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe heart failure
- heart block
- sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker)
- very slow heartbeat
- metabolic acidosis (a condition when there is too much acid in the blood)
- severe peripheral vascular disease (narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs)
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
as Acebutolol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- breathing or lung problems
- diabetes
- Prinzmetal's angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that is caused by itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- history of serious allergic reactions to allergens
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- thyroid disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Acebutolol to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. heart rate, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart], sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Acebutolol may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, joint pain, back pain, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dry eye, eye pain, and redness and inflammation of the eyes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- slow or abnormal heartbeat
- difficulty of breathing
- wheezing
- chest pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, reserpine
- other medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, amiodarone, digoxin
- glibenclamide (medicine for diabetes)
- certain medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline
- certain medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- fingolimod (medicine for multiple sclerosis [scars or lesions in the brain and spinal cord])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Acebutolol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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