Acebutolol (a se byoo`toe lole)

                                  Acebutolol (a se byoo` toe lole)

Brand name: Sectral (also available generically)

Important WarningNever stop taking Acebutolol before talking to a physician first, if Acebutolol is stopped suddenly, it can cause chest pain or heart attacks in some individuals. 

Why do doctors prescribe Acebutolol?

Acebutolol is prescribed to help high blood pressure; it will relax your blood vessels so the heart doesn’t have to pump as hard.  Acebutolol is also used to treat an irregular heart beat and occasionally for additional afflictions, ask your physician or pharmacist for additional information on this.

How should this medication be taken?

Acebutolol comes in capsule form and is consumed through the mouth, usually once or twice daily.  Read the prescription label carefully and follow the directions to the letter, and any part you don’t understand ask a physician or pharmacist to explain to you.  Do not take more of less of the amount your physician has prescribed for you, and do not take it more often thinking more is better. 

Acebutolol is designed to control your ailment, but doesn’t cure it, so continue to take your Acebutolol even if you feel better.  Never stop taking Acebutolol unless first consulting with a physician.

What other uses are there for Acebutolol?

Acebutolol is used to treat chest pain (angina) in afflicted individuals, but talk to your doctor about the possible risks of taking Acebutolol for angina.

Are there any special precautions I should follow while on Acebutolol?

Before taking Acebutolol,

·         Tell the attending physician if you are allergic to Acebutolol or any other drugs.

·         Always tell the attending physician about any additional prescription or non-prescription drugs you are currently taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; reserpine; and vitamins.

·         If you have a history of kidney, heart, or liver disease; asthma or other lung diseases; diseases of the blood vessels; severe allergies; diabetes; or an overactive thyroid gland be sure to mention this to the physician.

·         Make sure to tell the physician if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are currently breast feeding an infant.  If you should become pregnant while on Acebutolol immediately contact and notify your physician.

·         If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery, tell the surgeon or dentist that you are currently taking Acebutolol.

·         This is a strong drug, and it may make individuals drowsy.  Don’t operate a vehicle or machinery until you gauge how your body reacts to Acebutolol.

·         Don’t drink while on Acebutolol as this can cause you to become even drowsier.

Are there any special dietary instructions to remember?

Contact a physician before ingesting salt substitutes with potassium.  If your physician suggests a low-salt or low-sodium diet, make sure to follow the directions explicitly.

What to do if you forget your scheduled dosage?

You can take the medication as soon as you notice you have missed the scheduled time, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage.  If this is the case skip the missed dosage and continue your regular regiment.  Never take a double dosage of Acebutolol to make up for a missed one.

Are there any side effects with Acebutolol?

Like most medications today Acebutolol can have serious side effects for those taking the medication.  Make sure to immediately contact a physician if any of the following symptoms are severe or don’t go away with time:

·         Dizziness

·         Light-headedness

·         Excessive tiredness

·         Headache

·         Constipation

·         Diarrhea

·         Upset stomach

·         Muscle aches

If any of the following symptoms should appear, immediately contact a physician:

·         Shortness of breath or wheezing

·         Swelling of the feet and lower legs

·         Chest pain

Serious side effects should be reported by you or your physician to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.

How should I store the Acebutolol?

Acebutolol should always be kept in the airtight container provided by the pharmacist, tightly closed, and out of the eyes and reach of children.  Store it at room temperature and away from any sources of excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).  If the medication is outdated or no longer needed, talk to your pharmacist about proper disposal methods for drugs.

What should I do if someone overdoses on Acebutolol?

Whenever someone overdoses on Acebutolol, immediately call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.  If the victim is unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to breathe, call local emergency services at 911 without hesitation.

What additional information about Acebutolol should I be aware of?

Make sure to keep all your appointments with your physician and the laboratory you will be visiting.  The physician should be checking your blood pressure regularly to see what your response to Acebutolol is going to be.  The physician may ask you to occasionally check your own pulse (heart rate), so you can learn to keep tabs on your condition.  If you do not know how to check your pulse ask the physician or pharmacist to show you how, and if you ever check it and find it to be faster or slower than it should be, immediately contact your physician.

Remember to never let another person take your Acebutolol and if you have any questions about recharging your prescription or any questions at all ask a physician before doing anything.

Well that’s it for his hub on the pharmaceutical drug Acebutolol (Sectral), we hope the information contained here will help you understand the drug your physician has you on.  We hope you feel better soon, happy hubbing!

       

Acarbose(ay`car bose)

                                         Acarbose (ay`car bose)

Brand name: Prandase, Precose

 Why is this prescription medicine prescribed?

Acarbose is used in combination with a diet plan, or diet and other medications, to combat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (high blood sugar).  Acarbose is effective by slowing the action of particular chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) in the blood; this slows digestion, and keeps levels of blood glucose from increasing very high after meals.

Acarbose is occasionally prescribed for other ailments, so ask your physician or pharmacist for more information if you want to know.

How should I take Acarbose?

Acarbose is taken orally in a tablet form, usually three times per day, but this will depend on your physicians directions.  It is of utmost importance to take the tablet of Acarbose with the first bite of each meal, but this will also help you remember to take your medication.  Make sure to read and follow the directions on the prescription label explicitly, and contact your pharmacist or physician if you are confused by the directions or do not understand anything about your medication.  You must take Acarbose exactly as directed by your physician.  Never take more or less of Acarbose, or take it more often then directed by your physician.

If you start to feel better, or feel better, continue to take the Acarbose until you finish your regiment or your physician indicates for you to cease.  Never cease taking Acarbose without conferring with your physician first.

Are there any special precautions I should take?

Before ingesting Acarbose,

·         Always tell a physician if you are allergic to Acarbose or any other medications.

·         It is very important to tell your physician if you are on any prescription or non-prescription medications.  Especially medications for diabetes, digoxin, (Lanoxin), diuretics (water pills), estrogens, isoniazid, any medications dealing with high blood pressure or colds, oral contraceptives, pancreatic enzymes, phenytoin (Dilantin), steroids, thyroid medications, and vitamins of any kind.

·         If you have been afflicted with ketoacidosis, cirrhosis, or intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction. 

·         If you are pregnant, planning on getting pregnant, or are currently breast feeding an infant immediately inform your physician of this condition.  If you should become pregnant while on Acarbose you should call a physician and tell them of the situation.

·         If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery, in form your physician or dentist that you are currently taking Acarbose.

Are there any special dietary considerations I should be aware of while on Acarbose?

It is common for the physician or dietician to prescribe exercise and dietary recommendations when someone is taking Acarbose, so follow the instructions of either health care professional carefully.  Make sure to eat a healthy diet while on Acarbose as this is very, very, important.

Alcohol can cause a decrease in blood sugar if you taking Acarbose, so consult your physician before drinking any alcohol while on Acarbose.

What to do if you forget to take your dose at the right time?

Make sure to take the missed medication as soon as you notice you have missed it, have a snack so you can take it with the first bite, unless it is almost time for the next dosage.  If it is time for the next dosage, skip the missed dosage, and take your regular scheduled dose.  Never take a double dose of Acarbose to make up for a missed one, this could have serious effects.

Are there any side effects associated with taking Acarbose?

Acarbose is not meant to be used in conjunction with insulin or other medications used to treat diabetes, Acarbose can cause excessive lowering of blood sugar levels if used with any such medications.

If you develop any of the following symptoms, glucose products (Insta-Glucose or B-D Glucose tablets) should be taken and you should call your physician immediately, Acarbose blocks the breakdown of table sugar and other complex sugars, fruit juice or other products containing these sugars will not help to increase blood sugar.  It is very important you and anybody in the household understands the difference between Acarbose and other medications used to treat diabetes.

·         Shakiness

·         Dizziness or light headedness

·         Sweating

·         Nervousness or irritability

·         Sudden changes in behaviour or mood shifts

·         Experiencing headaches

·         Numbness or tingling around the mouth area

·         Weakness

·         Pale skin

·         Hunger

·         Clumsy or jerky movements

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can develop and if left untreated, severe symptoms may occur.  Make sure that you, your family, friends, and other people who spend time in your presence know that if you show any of the following symptoms, they should immediately get medical attention for you.

·         Confusion

·         Seizures

·         Loss of consciousness

Remember to call a physician or seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms of hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar):

·         Extreme thirst

·         Frequent urination

·         Weakness

·         Blurred vision

·         Extreme hunger

Left untreated high blood sugar could lead to a potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, so if you have any of the following symptoms immediately seek medical attention:

·         Dry mouth

·         Upset stomach and vomiting

·         Shortness of breath

·         Breath that smells fruity

·         Decreased consciousness

How should I store the Acarbose?

Acarbose should be stored in the airtight container provided when you received the medication, tightly closed at all times, and out of the reach and eyesight of children.  Store the drug at room temperature and away from any source of excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).  Always throw the Acarbose away when it is outdated or no longer for consumption, your pharmacist of physician will have suggestions on the proper disposal of medications, if you ask.

If an overdose of Acarbose should occur what should I do?

In the case of any over dose of medication, always call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.  If the ingesting individual has collapsed or has ceased to breath, immediately call local emergency services at 911.

Is there any additional information about taking Acarbose I should be aware of?

Never miss an appointment with your doctor or laboratory if it can be avoided, as time can be of the utmost importance in certain cases.  Your physician will certainly order particular tests to check your body’s response to Acarbose.

Well that’s it for his hub on the pharmaceutical drug Acarbose (Prandase, Precose); we hope the information here helps you understand a little more about your medication Acarbose.