Before taking Sectral (acebutolol), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol); or if you have any other allergies.
Sectral (acebutolol) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: very slow heartbeat (e.g., severe bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), a certain serious heart problem (cardiogenic shock), uncontrolled severe heart failure.
Before using Sectral (acebutolol), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), decreased blood flow to the heart or brain (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attacks), diabetes, heart problems (e.g., history of heart failure, recent heart attack, valve problems), kidney problems, liver problems, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression), certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism).
Sectral (acebutolol) may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Sectral (acebutolol).
Sectral (acebutolol) may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, causing or worsening diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or urination.
If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly. Sectral (acebutolol) may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat, nervousness and shakiness you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as hunger, dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by Sectral (acebutolol).
If you have chest pain (angina) or have heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using Sectral (acebutolol) without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Sectral (acebutolol), you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Caution is advised when using Sectral (acebutolol) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects.
Sectral (acebutolol) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Newborns whose mothers have taken Sectral (acebutolol) near the date of delivery may have problems such as low blood pressure, low heart rate and low birth weight, and may require special medical monitoring. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Sectral (acebutolol) during pregnancy with your doctor.
Sectral (acebutolol) passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Sectral (acebutolol) is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Sectral (acebutolol) by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to therapy.
Use Sectral (acebutolol) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Sectral (acebutolol) treats, but does not cure, high blood pressure. It is important to continue taking Sectral (acebutolol) even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Do not stop taking Sectral (acebutolol) without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
When gradually stopping Sectral (acebutolol), it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Also, notify your doctor immediately of any worsening chest pain.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of Sectral (acebutolol). Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset/gas, nausea, trouble sleeping or unusual dreams may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Sectral (acebutolol) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Sectral (acebutolol) do not have serious side effects.
Sectral (acebutolol) may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Avoid tobacco use and dress warmly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bluish discoloration of the fingers/toes/nails, severe tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, confusion, memory problems), numbness/tingling, decreased sexual ability, trouble breathing, swelling of the feet/ankles, vision changes, unexplained/sudden weight gain.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, persistent dizziness/fainting, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, jaw/left arm pain, black stools, rectal bleeding, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, persistent joint/muscle pain, painful erections.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to Sectral (acebutolol) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Sectral side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Sectral (acebutolol), take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Sectral (acebutolol) should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: arbutamine, disopyramide.
If you are currently using Sectral (acebutolol), tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Sectral (acebutolol).
Before using Sectral (acebutolol), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs to lower blood pressure (e.g., alpha-blockers such as prazosin, beta-blockers such as nadolol, clonidine, calcium-channel blockers such as diltiazem/verapamil, reserpine), bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol), drugs for diabetes (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, insulin), epinephrine, fenoldopam, nasal decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., NSAID's such as ibuprofen, naproxen), "water pills" (e.g., diuretics such as furosemide).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or heart rate, or cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.