Central effects of the beta-adrenergic blocking agent acebutolol. A quantitative EEG study using normalised slope descriptors.

The effects of acute intravenous injection of acebutolol 25 mg on the EEG were investigated in 5 normal subjects. On-line EEG analysis was carried out by a special purpose mini-computer using normalised slope descriptors (hjorth parameters). No significant changes were found apart from those due to drowsiness in 2 subjects, although minute to minute ECG frequency was significantly lowered (p = 0.031). The EEG, which is considered to be a sensitive tool, failed to show any conclusive evidence of any central action of the drug. The effects of beta-adrenergic blockers on the CNS are not yet fully understood.