Identify one recent drug in any drug classification:

Sectral (Beta Blocker)

Active component of the drug:

Acebutolol hydrochloride

Pharmacodynamics:

Acebutolol is a drug that blocks receptors (beta-adrenergic receptors) on nerves of the sympathetic

nervous system that is used to treat high blood pressure and ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms of

the heart). Other beta-adrenergic agents within the same class as acebutolol include, atenolol (Tenormin),

betaxolol (Betoptic), celiprolol (Cardem), bisoprolol (Zebeta), esmolol (Brevibloc), metoprolol (Lopressor,

Toprol-XL), and nebivolol (Bystolic). Acebutolol and other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs work by blocking

the action of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and epinephrine, that nerves use to communicate with

each other. Blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart allows the heart to beat more slowly

thereby reducing the amount of blood that the heart must pump and, therefore, the work that the heart must

do and the amount of oxygen it must use. Over time, this action improves the pumping of the heart.

Acebutolol and drugs within its class differ from other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs because they

are selective beta blockers, that is, they block one type of beta-adrenergic receptor, the beta-l receptor,

rather than multiple types of beta-adrenergic receptors like other beta-adrenergic blockers that are

nonselective. This is especially important, in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD) who require treatment with beta-adrenergic blocking drugs because blocking the non-beta-1

receptors can make asthma or COPD worse.

Adverse reactions or toxicity studies:

Most adverse reactions to acebutolol have been mild, not required discontinuation of therapy, and

tended to decrease as the duration of treatment increases. Adverse events include dizziness,

lightheadedness, excessive tiredness, headache, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach and muscle aches.

With serious adverse events such as shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the feet and lower legs

and chest pain, it is advisable to contact a doctor immediately.

Contraindications:

The use of beta-blockers together with fenoldopam (Corlopam), a drug used to manage severe

high blood pressure, may result in unexpectedly low blood pressure since beta-adrenergic blocking drugs

add to the blood pressure-lowering effects of fenoldopam.

With concomitant use of clonidine (Catapres) and beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, severe high

blood pressure may occur if patients abruptly discontinue the clonidine. Because of this effect, it is advisable

to discontinue beta-adrenergic blocking drugs prior to starting clonidine.

Using epinephrine (Adrenalin, EpiPen) and beta-adrenergic blocking drugs together causes high

blood pressure and a slow heartbeat since the beta-adrenergic stimulating effects of epinephrine that raise

blood pressure and heart rate are exaggerated by the beta-adrenergic blocking drugs which prevent dilation

of the blood vessels and increase the heart rate. To avoid this effect, it is best not to use both drugs together.

If, however, both drugs are administered together, it is important to monitor blood pressure levels.

Also, high blood pressure and a slow heartbeat are less likely to occur if beta-adrenergic blocking drugs

that are selective for the heart such as atenolol (Tenormin) and acebutolol (Sectral) are used.

Epinephrine- and norepinephrine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine (Harmonyl), may have an

additive effect when given with beta-blocking drugs and cause an abnormally slow heart beat or low blood

pressure, which may give rise to dizziness or fainting.

Conclusions:

Acebutolol is used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure and arrhythmias. It also is

used to treat chest pain due to coronary artery disease (angina) in which the supply of blood and oxygen

to the heart are inadequate for the heart to pump normally.

Recommendations:

Reference:

Ogbru, PharmD, MBA, Annette. "Acebutolol, Sectral, Prent." MedicineNet.Com. Ed. Jay Marks,

MD. MedicineNet, Inc. Web. .