Shop products for Acebutolol 
Combination drug: Secradex®
Acebutolol is used to treat high blood pressure and certain forms of heart arrhythmia, and is in a family of drugs known as beta-adrenergic blockers.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid
these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption
and/or activity of the medication in the body. |
Food |
| Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous
results. |
High-potassium foods* Pleurisy root* Potassium supplements* |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Potassium
Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called “nonselective” beta blockers) decrease the
uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,1 leading to excess potassium in
the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia.2 People taking
beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities
of fruit (e.g.,
bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.
Interactions with Herbs
Pleurisy root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides,
it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as
beta-blockers.3
Interaction with Foods and Other Compounds
Taking acebutolol with food slows the rate of absorption and reduces the maximum blood levels of the drug, though overall absorption is not affected.4 However, the blood level of an active breakdown product of acebutolol is reduced.5 Though the activity of acebutolol is affected by food, people taking the drug on a daily basis are not likely to experience a reduction in the effectiveness of the drug if it is taken with a meal.
References
1. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431–4.
2. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121–6 [review].
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.
4. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale. NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3317–9.
5. Zaman R, Wilkins MR, Kendall MJ, Jack DB. The effect of food and alcohol on the pharmacokinetics of acebutolol and its metabolite, diacetolol. Biopharm Drug Dispos 1984;5:91–5.
