Michael Madsen has been released from hospital.

The 54-year-old actor was taken to a medical facility after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Wednesday, but has now been released, and his attorney Perry Wander says his prescription medication could be what caused him to appear drunk at the wheel.

"Michael has been on prescription medication that easily could have made him look to be under the influence and caused him to fail the sobriety test," Perry said.

Madsen had a blood-alcohol level of 0.21, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08, after his arrest on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. He has been charged with a misdemeanor DUI and bail set at $15,000 and his Pontiac GTO automobile has been impounded.