Drug Interaction Report

Acebutolol and Fingolimod: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Acebutolol and Fingolimod interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Jul 15, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Fingolimod

Gilenya Gilenya® Tascenso
+

Acebutolol

Sectral®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Jul 15, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 188 documented Acebutolol interactions, 35 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Slowing of the heart rate or atrioventricular conduction, which may result in severe bradycardia or heart block

Interaction Deep Dive

The concomitant use of acebutolol and fingolimod may cause an additional decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular conduction21 and may result in severe bradycardia and heart block. Evaluate the possibility of switching from acebutolol to a drug that does not lower heart rate or slow atrioventricular conduction prior to fingolimod initiation. If treatment with acebutolol is necessary, extended monitoring is recommended, including continuous overnight ECG monitoring after the first fingolimod dose 2.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive heart-rate-lowering effects

Common questions

Can I take Acebutolol and Fingolimod together?

Slowing of the heart rate or atrioventricular conduction, which may result in severe bradycardia or heart block Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Acebutolol and Fingolimod interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Acebutolol or Fingolimod need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (2)

  1. Product Information: SECTRAL(R) oral capsules, acebutolol hcl oral capsules. Mova Pharmaceutical, Manati, PR, 2007. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: GILENYA(TM) oral capsules, fingolimod oral capsules. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Per Manufacturer), East Hanover, NJ, 2012. DailyMed
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Fingolimod

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All Fingolimod interactions (74) Fingolimod drug information
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Acebutolol

Keep reading about Acebutolol

All Acebutolol interactions (188) Acebutolol drug information
Also serious with: Olodaterol Oral Inhalation Verapamil Terbutaline Taletrectinib
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Fingolimod + Activated Charcoal Beer Siberian Cocklebur Wine Active Hexose Correlated Compound (ahcc) Alfalfa American Ginseng Andrographis + 98 more
Acebutolol + Activated Charcoal American Hellebore American Mistletoe Beer Indian Snakeroot Siberian Cocklebur Tyramine Wine + 165 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.