Acebutolol
beta-blocker
Our referenceBy the Layer Nutrition editorial team · How the atlas classifies the 664 molecules
What this medicine is for
Acebutolol belongs to the “beta-blocker” category. Beta-blockers slow and ease the heart and lower blood pressure. They are never stopped abruptly.
Specifically, for Acebutolol: Slows the heart and lowers blood pressure. It is generally taken over the long term, as part of regular monitoring, and is not stopped on one's own initiative.
Under which brands it is found
In France, about 11 reimbursable presentations containing Acebutolol are recorded. It is found under several brand names and as generics.
- Acebutolol Almus
- Acebutolol Arrow Lab
- Acebutolol Biogaran
- Acebutolol Cristers
- Acebutolol Eg
- Acebutolol Sandoz
- Acebutolol Teva
- Acebutolol Viatris
- and other presentations
Original brand-name products and generics deliver the same active substance; the choice between them is made with your doctor or pharmacist.
Our product for this treatment
Acebutolol is one of the everyday treatments for which we have formulated a targeted supplement.
Layer Nutrition Beta-Blockers
Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster. Magnesium and vitamin B6 help you reduce tiredness during the day.
- Contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep (melatonin 1 mg, at bedtime)
- Contributes to the reduction of tiredness (magnesium, vitamin B6)
- Contributes to normal muscle function and to the normal functioning of the nervous system (magnesium)
Melatonin 1 mg · Magnesium 100 mg · B6 1.4 mg
One bottle, one dose per day. Reduced price from the second box, free delivery from two boxes.
How acebutolol works
Acebutolol belongs to the beta-blocker family. It occupies the beta-adrenergic receptors, the sites normally bound by adrenaline and noradrenaline, the messengers that speed up the heart during exertion or stress. It is described as cardioselective: it targets primarily the beta-1 receptors, found mostly in the heart, rather than the beta-2 receptors of the bronchi and blood vessels. This selectivity remains relative, however, and is never complete.
By occupying the beta-1 receptors of the heart, acebutolol slows the heart rate, reduces the force of contraction and lowers blood pressure: the heart then works less. It also has a mild intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, meaning that it weakly stimulates the receptor while blocking it. As a result it slows the rhythm slightly less, with a heart rate about 3 beats per minute higher than with equipotent doses of propranolol or metoprolol. A membrane-stabilizing effect completes this action on the cardiac cell.
Why it is prescribed
Acebutolol is prescribed for high blood pressure, where it lowers pressure by reducing the heart's workload. It is also indicated for ventricular arrhythmias, in particular ventricular premature beats, those early contractions that disturb the rhythm. It is likewise used for angina pectoris, the pain that arises when the heart muscle lacks oxygen.
What these situations have in common is a heart beating too fast, too hard or in a disordered way, in a context where that becomes dangerous. By slowing the rhythm and reducing the muscle's oxygen consumption, acebutolol eases this heart and spaces out the episodes. It does not cure the underlying disease, it controls its consequences for as long as it is taken.
How to take it day to day
Acebutolol is taken once or twice a day, preferably at the same time each day, with or without food. Food slightly lowers the peak concentration and slows absorption, without changing the total amount absorbed: the timing of the dose relative to meals therefore matters little. The molecule itself has a short half-life of 3 to 4 hours, but its active metabolite, diacetolol, persists 8 to 13 hours in the blood, which allows for dosing once or twice a day. If a dose is missed, it is taken as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next one, and it is never doubled.
One point calls for particular care: acebutolol must never be stopped abruptly. In patients with coronary disease, the sudden withdrawal of a beta-blocker has caused worsening of angina pectoris and, in some cases, heart attacks. Any interruption is done gradually and under medical supervision. This is also why regular renewal of the prescription is part of the treatment, just as much as taking the medicine itself.
The effects to know about
In controlled clinical trials comparing acebutolol with placebo, fatigue is the most frequent effect: 11% of people on acebutolol versus 4% on placebo. Next come dizziness (6% versus 2%), headache (6% versus 4%), shortness of breath (4% versus 2%) and insomnia (3% versus 1%). Digestive complaints remain moderate and similar: constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia and nausea each affect about 4% of people. Less commonly, mild edema (2%), visual disturbances (2%) and frequent urination (3%) are observed.
Two situations deserve separate attention. In people with diabetes, acebutolol can potentiate the hypoglycemia caused by insulin and mask one of its warning signs, tachycardia, while sweating and dizziness generally remain perceptible. In a person whose thyroid is overactive, beta-adrenergic blockade can likewise mask the tachycardia that betrays hyperthyroidism, and abrupt withdrawal of the drug may then trigger a thyroid storm. These two points explain why the treatment is monitored over time.
Interactions and monitoring
Several medicines change the action of acebutolol. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can blunt its effect on blood pressure. Digoxin and acebutolol both slow conduction between the atria and the ventricles as well as the heart rate: combining them increases the risk of bradycardia. Medicines that deplete the body of its catecholamines, such as reserpine, can add to the beta-blocker and accentuate the fall in rhythm and pressure.
Breathing also comes into play: in people with asthma or COPD, a beta-blocker is generally not advised, because the cardioselectivity of acebutolol is not absolute and bronchospasm remains possible. As regards elimination, acebutolol leaves the body 30 to 40% through the kidneys and 50 to 60% through the bile and the stool. In renal failure, diacetolol accumulates and the dose must be reduced, which laboratory monitoring and clinical examination make it possible to adjust.
On the plate
Food touches the same ground as your treatment, in particular sleep and the energy of the cells. Beta-blockers that target the beta-1 receptors also act on the pineal gland: in humans, atenolol reduces the nocturnal secretion of melatonin in a dose-dependent relationship, which can affect falling asleep. Yet the plate provides very little melatonin, and the body makes most of it itself during the night. When the beta-blocker slows this production, food alone does not make up the difference.
On the side of cellular energy, studies have shown that one beta-blocker, propranolol, inhibits enzymes that depend on coenzyme Q10. This coenzyme is found mainly in oily fish and meats, but the body produces the greater part of it. For the rest, the plate keeps all its usefulness: the magnesium of spinach, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, the vitamin B6 of bananas and fish. In addition to your treatment, never in its place, a targeted intake makes sense where food reaches its limit.
Sources
Related molecules
To explore in the « Heart and blood pressure » family and its neighbours.
See the whole « Heart and blood pressure » family · Back to the atlas
Frequently asked questions
What is acebutolol used for?
Acebutolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker prescribed in particular for high blood pressure, angina and certain heart rhythm disorders. In France it is marketed under the name Sectral. For the indication that applies to you, refer to the package leaflet and to your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the side effects of acebutolol?
The leaflet mainly mentions fatigue and digestive problems, a slowing of the heart rate, cold hands and feet, and sometimes insomnia or nightmares in sensitive individuals. If you are bothered by any of these, read the leaflet and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Are acebutolol and Sectral the same thing?
Yes, Sectral is the French brand name for acebutolol hydrochloride, the active substance. Generic versions also exist. Your pharmacist can confirm how the brand corresponds to the generic that is dispensed to you.
Does acebutolol come as a generic?
Yes, acebutolol hydrochloride is available as generics, equivalent to the reference product Sectral. For any question about substitution at the pharmacy, speak to your pharmacist.
What drugs should you avoid with acebutolol?
The leaflet flags combinations to watch, in particular certain heart medicines such as verapamil and diltiazem, other blood pressure medicines, and the decongestants found in cold remedies. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter ones, and refer to the leaflet.
Can you drink alcohol while taking acebutolol?
Alcohol can worsen dizziness and increase the drop in blood pressure caused by the treatment. What to do is set out in the leaflet; if in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Can you take acebutolol during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The leaflet states that breastfeeding is not advised while taking acebutolol because it passes into breast milk. For both pregnancy and breastfeeding, the decision rests with your doctor, who will assess your situation; refer to the leaflet.
How do you stop taking acebutolol?
You should never stop abruptly: a sudden interruption can trigger a rebound effect, with a risk of a spike in blood pressure or a worsening of your heart condition. Any change or discontinuation is decided with your doctor, who will arrange a gradual reduction.
Does acebutolol cause fatigue?
Fatigue and a feeling of tiredness are among the most commonly reported effects, especially at the start of treatment while the body adjusts. If it persists or bothers you day to day, read the leaflet and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can acebutolol disturb sleep?
Among the possible effects, the leaflet lists insomnia, vivid dreams or nightmares in some people. If these appear, report them to your doctor rather than changing the treatment yourself.
Why is melatonin mentioned with beta-blockers like acebutolol?
A study (Stoschitzky et al., 1999) linked taking beta-blockers to a decrease in the nighttime secretion of melatonin, the hormone that accompanies falling asleep. This is the nutrition angle followed by our BB01 reference, formulated around melatonin. This information does not replace your doctor's advice.
What can you consider on the nutrition side with acebutolol?
Two active ingredients are documented in this area: melatonin, whose nighttime secretion is associated with taking beta-blockers in the work of Stoschitzky et al. (1999), and magnesium, which contributes to normal nervous and muscle function. This is the rationale of our BB01 reference, which combines melatonin and magnesium in bisglycinate form. Keep the monitoring of your treatment with your doctor.
Ces réponses portent sur le volet nutritionnel. Pour toute question sur votre médicament, la notice et votre médecin ou pharmacien font foi.