Acebutolol Hydrochloride

Warning

Cardiac failure, exacerbation of ischemic heart disease, and potential interactions with other medications

Contraindications

• Persistently severe bradycardia
• Second- and third-degree heart block
• Overt cardiac failure
• Cardiogenic shock

Adverse Reactions

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Depression
• Rash

General Guidance

Doses above 800 mg/day should be avoided in the elderly

Pregnancy

• Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus
• Neonates of mothers who have received acebutolol during pregnancy have reduced birth weight, decreased blood pressure, and decreased heart rate

Nursing Mothers

• Use in nursing mothers is not recommended
• Acebutolol and diacetolol appear in breast milk with a milk:plasma ratio of 7.1 and 12.2, respectively

Pediatric Use

• Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established

Geriatric Use

• Elderly subjects evidence greater bioavailability of acebutolol
• It may be appropriate to start elderly patients at the low end of the dosing range