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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acebutolol (Sectral)?

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use acebutolol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
• diabetes;
• low blood pressure;
• a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
• depression;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• myasthenia gravis;
• pheochromocytoma; or
• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Acebutolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acebutolol (Sectral)?

Take acebutolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take acebutolol at the same time every day.

Do not skip doses or stop taking acebutolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using acebutolol. You may need to briefly stop using acebutolol before having surgery.

Acebutolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store acebutolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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