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Acebutolol

Pronounced

"a-se-BU-toe-lol"

Common brand names:

Sectral

Uses

Acebutolol is used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Treating irregular heartbeat helps the heart work better and with less strain. Irregular heartbeats can be serious and may sometimes even lead to a heart attack.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used after a heart attack to improve survival. It may also be used to reduce the risk of chest pain (angina).

How to Use This Medication

See also Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).