Atenolol tablets
Atenolol tablets
What is this medicine?
ATENOLOL (a TEN oh lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent chest pain. It is also used to protect the heart during a heart attack and to prevent an additional heart attack from occurring.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take more medicine than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain
cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
depression
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever with sore throat
rapid weight gain
swollen ankles, legs
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
anxiety, nervous
diarrhea
dry skin
change in sex drive or performance
headache
nightmares or trouble sleeping
short term memory loss
stomach upset
unusually tired
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
clonidine
digoxin
diuretics
dobutamine
epinephrine
isoproterenol
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
reserpine
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Close tightly and protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease
kidney disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
pheochromocytoma
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to atenolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact him or her.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018