Acebutolol hydrochloride Monitan Sectral
Nursing Considerations
• Before therapy begins, obtain baseline
renal function tests, as ordered.
• Check apical and radial pulses before giving
acebutolol. Also, frequently monitor
blood pressure and pulse rate, rhythm,
and quality during treatment.
• Give drug with food to prevent GI upset.
• Acebutolol may elevate uric acid, potassium,
triglyceride, lipoprotein, and antinuclear
antibody levels; it also may interfere
with accuracy of glucose tolerance tests.
•Monitor diabetic patient’s blood glucose
level to spot alterations.
• Notify prescriber if you detect a heart rate
below 50 beats/min or signs of heart failure,
such as dyspnea, crackles, unexplained
weight gain, and jugular vein distention.
•Monitor patient for peripheral edema, and
evaluate fluid intake and output.
PATIENT TEACHING
• Tell patient that tablets may be crushed or
swallowed whole.
•Warn against stopping acebutolol abruptly
because doing so could cause angina or
dangerously high blood pressure.
• Instruct patient to take a missed dose as
soon as possible up to 6 hours before next
scheduled dose but not to double the next
dose.
• Advise patient to consult prescriber before
taking OTC drugs that contain alpha agonists,
such as nasal decongestants and cold
preparations.
• Instruct patient to report dizziness, confusion,
and fever immediately.
• Urge patient to maintain diet and lifestyle
changes to help control blood pressure.
