Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take medication exactly as directed, at the same time each day, even if feeling well; do not skip or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible up to 4 hr before next dose. Abrupt withdrawal may precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias, hypertension, or myocardial ischemia

» Advise patient to make sure enough medication is available for weekends, holidays, and vacations. A written prescription may be kept in wallet in case of emergency

» Teach patient and family how to check pulse and blood pressure. Instruct them to check pulse daily and blood pressure biweekly and to report significant changes to health care professional

» May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Caution patients to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until response to the drug is known

» Caution patient that this medication may increase sensitivity to cold

» Instruct patient to consult health care professional before taking any OTC medications, especially cold preparations, concurrently with this medication

» Diabetic patients should closely monitor blood glucose, especially if weakness, malaise, irritability, or fatigue occurs. May mask tachycardia and blood pressure changes as signs of hypoglycemia, but dizziness and sweating may still occur

» Advise patient to notify health care professional if slow pulse, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cold hands and feet, dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, depression, rash, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding, or bruising occurs

» Instruct patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen prior to treatment or surgery

» Advise patient to carry identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times

• Hypertension: Reinforce the need to continue additional therapies for hypertension (weight loss, sodium restriction, stress reduction, regular exercise, moderation of alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation). Acebutolol controls but does not cure hypertension

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