Acebutolol is a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug possessing both partial agonist (intrinsic sympathomimetic) and membrane stabilising activity. In hypertension, it can be administered once or twice daily with equal effectiveness, and has been as effective at lowering blood pressure as propranolol, diuretics, and other beta-blocking drugs (metoprolol, labetalol and atenolol) and more effective than methyldopa. Acebutolol has a significantly smaller effect on resting heart rate than propranolol, metoprolol and atenolol, although direct comparisons with drugs with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity have yet to be undertaken. In both angina and arrhythmia, when administered twice daily it has been as effective as standard therapeutic agents. The side effect profile of acebutolol appears to be comparable to that of other cardioselective beta-blockers. Its relative cardio-selectivity, partial agonist and membrane stabilising activity, hydrophilicity, and considerable extrarenal excretion may offer advantages over some beta-blocking drugs in specific patients. Choosing a beta-blocking agent, however, should be made with a knowledge of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the various agents and careful consideration of how such properties may be of benefit to an individual patient.