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Acebutolol
Brand Name: Sectral
Foreign Brand Names: Monitan, and Rhotral
What is it?
Acebutolol is in the category of drugs referred to as beta-blockers. These are used to help reduce the workload on the heart and allow it to beat more regularly. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking chemicals such as adrenaline in the body. It works by preventing an increase heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen use. It slows the functions of the body down. Acebutolol is not a cure for this or any other condition, it can only be used to try and control it to some point. In some instances, Acebutolol is used to treat angina, but they are other risks involved in using this drug this way.
How to take it?
Acebutolol needs to be prescribed by your doctor. It comes in a capsule form and is taken by the mouth. An individual usually takes it once or twice a day. You can take this medication with or without food. You should try and stick to a schedule and take it the same time every day. Never alter your dosage without first consulting with your doctor or health care professional.
Warnings and Precautions
If you are going to take this medication, your doctor needs to know if you have a history of asthma or bronchitis, blood vessel disease, depression, diabetes, history of heart attack or heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, muscle weakness, thyroid disease pregnant or breast feeding.
They are some drugs that can possible interact with this medication. If you are taking cimetidine, medicines for colds, diabetes, high blood pressure, hearth rhythm and water pills, you need to advise your doctor of this first.
A patient should not suddenly stop taking this medication, as it could lead to serious related heart effects. Also, this medication can make you dizzy and drowsy so you should avoid driving and using machinery while under the influence of this drug.
Acebutolol can also have a negative effect on your sugar levels. If you are diabetic you will need to take extra precautions before using this drug. An individual should avoid taking antacids or calcium supplements less than two hours before or six hours after taking this medication; as this also has a negative effect. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breast-feeding.
Make sure that you see your doctor regularly so that your blood pressure can be checked to see if you are responding to the medications.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take that dose only. Do not take any extra doses.
What are the side effects?
They are many side effects that can occur from taking this medication. They can range from severe to less severe. The side effects that are less severe are: anxiety, depression, nightmare, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dry itching skin, dry eyes, headaches, nausea, upset stomach, lightheadedness, and tiredness. The symptoms that might require immediate attention include: changes in your vision, chest pain, cold feelings in the hands or feet, confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, tremor and shakes, and vomiting.
How to store this medication?
This medication should be kept in the tight container that it comes in, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius and keep it away from excessive heat and moisture. This medication should not be stored in your bathroom as that will expose it to heat and moisture. You should never use any medication after its expiration date.
What does it look like?
Acebutolol comes in capsule form. An individual will need to swallow the capsule whole. A daily dose of Acebutolol is 200mg. The doctor will usually start treatment with lower doses, and then it is increased according to the individuals need and response to the medication.
What if you overdose?
If you by chance take more than the recommended amount of this drug and overdose, contact poison control center immediately; along with your doctor.
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