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Acebutolol Coupon - Acebutolol 200mg capsule

acebutolol

Generic Sectral
Used for Hypertension, Ventricular Arrhythmia
Used for Hypertension, Ventricular Arrhythmia

Acebutolol treats abnormal heartbeat problems called ventricular arrhythmias. Acebutolol can also be taken for high blood pressure, but it's not commonly used unless other blood pressure medications aren't working.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Yen Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 8, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Acebutolol?

What is Acebutolol used for?

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Ventricular arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)

How Acebutolol works

Acebutolol is a selective beta blocker that blocks certain receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This allows the heart to beat more slowly and blood vessels to relax, which can lead to a slower heartbeat and lower blood pressure.

Are you looking for information on atenolol (Tenormin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSectral (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassBeta blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$72.19(save 50.06%)
GoodRx discount
$36.06
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What are the side effects of Acebutolol?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Tiredness (11%)
  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Headache (6%)
  • Constipation (4%)
  • Diarrhea (4%)
  • Stomach pain or discomfort (4%)
  • Nausea (4%)
  • Shortness of breath (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia) (3%)
  • Passing gas (3%)
  • Frequent urination (micturition) (3%)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Changes in vision

chest pain

difficult or labored breathing

shortness of breath

swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tightness in chest

wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Anxiety

blurred vision

chest discomfort

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

convulsions

cool, pale skin

cough

decreased urine output

depression

dilated neck veins

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

extreme fatigue

headache

increased hunger

irregular breathing

loss of bladder control

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

noisy breathing

pain in the shoulders, back, neck, or jaw

shakiness

slow, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

slurred speech

sudden loss of consciousness

sweating

troubled breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

difficulty in moving

discouragement

excess air or gas in stomach or intestines

feeling sad or empty

full feeling

heartburn

indigestion

irritability

lack of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pain or stiffness

pain in joints

passing gas

problems in urination or increase in amount of urine

rash

sleeplessness

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

swollen joints

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

unusual dreams

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Acebutolol

thumbs-up

Pros

One of the first-choice treatments for arrhythmias

Less side effects than some other beta blockers because it targets the heart and not other parts of the body

Can be used together with other blood pressure medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment option for high blood pressure

Can't stop taking acebutolol suddenly

Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar

Not recommended while breastfeeding because acebutolol passes through breast milk

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Acebutolol

pharmacist

  • Acebutolol can be taken with or without food. Food doesn't affect how the medication works, but food can make your body absorb the medication a little slower.

    • Don't stop taking acebutolol suddenly without talking with your provider because it can raise your risk of chest pain and heart attack.

      • If you have diabetes, make sure to check your blood sugar often because acebutolol can hide symptoms of low blood sugar (except for dizziness and sweating).

        • If you take acebutolol for high blood pressure, avoid taking it together with over-the-counter medications for cough and cold, such as decongestants (phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine) because it can raise your blood pressure.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Acebutolol

          Can I stop taking acebutolol if I don't tolerate it well?
          Don't stop taking acebutolol suddenly without talking to your provider first. Stopping acebutolol all of a sudden can cause chest pain and raise your risk of a heart attack. Let your provider know if you don't tolerate this medication, and they can prescribe a different medication or help you wean off this medication safely.
          How long does it take acebutolol to work?
          Acebutolol starts to work after about 1.5 hours for heart rate and blood pressure, but can take up to 24 to 30 hours for fast heart rate caused by exercise (exercise-induced tachycardia).
          Should I take acebutolol in the morning or at night?
          Depending on your condition, your provider will have you take acebutolol once or twice daily. If acebutolol is taken once daily, you can take it either in the morning or at night depending on how the medication affects you. If you experience tiredness or dizziness when taking acebutolol, you can take this medication at night so these side effects don't affect your daily activities.
          Can I drink alcohol while taking acebutolol?
          Drinking alcohol is not recommended while taking acebutolol because alcohol can raise your blood pressure and cause changes to your heartbeat, which can make acebutolol not work as well. Alcohol can also raise the risk of side effects from acebutolol, such as tiredness, dizziness, and headache.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Acebutolol?

          Acebutolol can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Heart failure

          • Risk factors: Heart failure that's under control | Heart conditions relating to heart valves

            Since acebutolol slows down the heart, it might make certain heart problems worse, especially heart failure that requires the heart to be stimulated to improve blood flow. People with heart valve problems might also have a higher risk of heart failure if they take acebutolol for a period of time. Let your provider know right away if you have any symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, or swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.

            risk-warning

            Chest pain, heart attack, and death

            • Risk factors: Stopping acebutolol suddenly

              Stopping acebutolol suddenly can cause the body to react and raise your heart rate and blood pressure. This will raise the risk of chest pain exacerbation (flare-up), and in some cases, it can lead to a heart attack or death. Don't stop taking acebutolol suddenly without talking to your provider. If necessary, they can change your medication or help take you off of the medication slowly over a few weeks.

              risk-warning

              Breathing problems (bronchospastic disease)

              • Risk factors: Asthma or other lung problems

                Beta blockers, including acebutolol, are generally not recommended for people with lung problems like asthma. Acebutolol can cause the airways to narrow (tighten) and make it harder to breathe, so this medication should only be used if you're being monitored by your provider.

                risk-warning

                Blood circulation problems

                • Risk factors: Narrowed blood vessels

                  Beta blockers, including acebutolol, can lower the amount of blood that the heart pumps out to the rest of the body. If you have problems with blood circulation, such as narrowed blood vessels, this medication might make your condition worse. Let your provider know if you have painful cramps in your hips or legs, numbness or weakness in your legs, or coldness in your lower legs or feet.

                  risk-warning

                  Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar

                  • Risk factors: Diabetes

                    Acebutolol can make it harder for people with diabetes to feel symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart rate or shakiness. Acebutolol might not affect other symptoms, such as dizziness or sweating. If you have diabetes, talk to your provider to see how often you should check your blood sugar while taking acebutolol.

                    risk-warning

                    Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid

                    Acebutolol can hide certain symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as fast heart rate. Stopping acebutolol suddenly can cause a thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening condition when hyperthyroidism is not treated. Don't stop acebutolol suddenly without talking to your provider.

                    dosage

                    Acebutolol dosage forms

                    The average cost for 90 capsules of 200mg of Acebutolol is $36.06 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 50.06% off the average retail price of $72.19.
                    capsule
                    Capsule
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    200mg90 capsules$36.06$0.40
                    400mg180 capsules$88.32$0.49

                    Typical dosing for Acebutolol

                    • Hypertension: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth once daily or 200 mg by mouth twice daily. Your dose will be adjusted depending on your response to the medication. Maximum dose is 1,200 mg per day for adults under 65 years old, and 800 mg per day for older adults.

                    • Ventricular arrhythmia: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth twice daily. Your dose will be adjusted depending on your response to the medication. Maximum dose is 1,200 mg per day for adults under 65 years old, and 800 mg per day for older adults.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Acebutolol and other drugs

                    Acebutolol may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Acebutolol. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Acebutolol cost?

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                    Acebutolol (generic)
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                    contraindications-icon

                    Acebutolol contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Acebutolol will not be safe for you to take.

                    • Severe bradycardia (slow heart rate) that won't go away

                    • Second- and third-degree heart block (slow irregular heart beat)

                    • Overt cardiac failure (very obvious symptoms of heart problems)

                    • Cardiogenic shock (heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to the body)

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Acebutolol?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Acebutolol. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Acebutolol
                    Used for:

                    • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

                    • Ventricular arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)

                    $36.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Propranolol
                    Used for:
                    $12.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Sotalol (Betapace)
                    Used for:
                    $10.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Acebutolol images

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