Acebutolol
Brand names: Sectral
Acebutolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker with partial agonist (intrinsic sympathomimetic) activity used in hypertension and angina and to control certain arrhythmias.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It selectively blocks beta-1 adrenoceptors, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility and cardiac output while exhibiting partial agonist activity.
Prescribing in practice
- Do not stop abruptly in patients with ischaemic heart disease, as sudden withdrawal can precipitate worsening angina, arrhythmia or myocardial infarction; taper gradually.
- Contraindicated in asthma and uncontrolled heart failure, and used with caution in second- or third-degree heart block and severe bradycardia.
- May mask the adrenergic warning signs of hypoglycaemia, so use with care in patients with diabetes.
Monitoring
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and clinical response, watching for bradycardia, hypotension and signs of heart failure.
Counselling the patient
- Take it regularly and do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
- Report severe dizziness, breathlessness, wheeze or a very slow pulse to your prescriber.
Evidence & guidelines
The cardiovascular benefits of beta-blockade are well established, and acebutolol's use is supported by the SPC and standard practice.
Reference: SmPC Sectral; ESC Hypertension Guidelines 2018; NICE NG136; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- MAGGIC Heart Failure Risk Score · Heart Failure
- Long QT Syndrome (Schwartz Score) · Channelopathy / Sudden Cardiac Death
- C-Peptide to Glucose Ratio · Diabetes Classification
- International Staging System (ISS) for Multiple Myeloma · Multiple Myeloma
- Revised ISS (R-ISS) for Multiple Myeloma · Haematological Malignancy
- International Staging System for Multiple Myeloma (ISS) · Oncology
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines