It is also used to treat angina and chest pain, and has been shown to improve survival rates after a heart attack by decreasing the severity of the heart attack.
Lowering high blood pressure may also reduce kidney problems.
Atenolol belongs to a class of medication known as beta blockers, which help control cardiovascular diseases by slowing down the heart and reducing its workload, thus lowering the blood pressure.
The drug is manufactured by AstraZeneca and is now available in generic forms made by other companies.
Atenolol was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 for the treatment of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
It's also used to treat heart rhythm disorders such as supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular irregular beats, and it’s sometimes prescribed for alcohol withdrawal, Graves’ disease, and prevention of migraines.
Atenolol Warnings
Atenolol must be used regularly in order to be effective.People with high blood pressure often do not feel sick, but the medication should be taken even when you feel healthy.
If atenolol is used for chest pain, it must also be taken regularly. It should not be used to treat symptoms such as chest pain when they occur.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as nitroglycerin (placed under the tongue), to relieve chest pain.
Atenolol should never be suddenly discontinued, as this may worsen heart disease or blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Atenolol
Atenolol is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn child.Also, consult with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.
Atenolol has been shown to pass into breast milk and may cause harm to a breastfeeding baby.
Atenolol Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Atenolol:
- Constipation, indigestion
- Dizziness or faintness
- Dry mouth
- Impotence
- Cold extremities hands and feet
- Confusion
- Depression
- Insomnia, nightmares
- Edema
- Fatigue, lack of energy
Serious Side Effects of Atenolol:
- Low blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Sensation of pins and needles
- Skin reactions, rash, hives, psoriasis
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking, or hearing
- Unsteadiness
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
- Slow, uneven heart beats
- Fainting, feeling light headed
- Swelling of your feet or ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, fever, dark urine, loss of appetite
- Depression
Beta-blockers mask dangerously low blood sugar, which makes them less safe for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Atenolol (Tenormin) Interactions
Atenolol and Other Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, and about all the medications you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter, vitamins, illegal or recreational drugs, and dietary or herbal supplements, as they can affect how Atenolol works, and vice-versa.Check with a pharmacist if you combine Atenolol with cough or cold remedies. Do not take atenolol if you are allergic to it. Inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart rhythm problems; breathing issues such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis; kidney disease; blood circulation problems; or serious allergies.
Atenolol may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a fast heartbeat (often associated with hypoglycemia), and may make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Atenolol (Tenormin) Dosage
- The initial dose for hypertension is 50 mg, given as one tablet a day, with the full effect seen in one to two weeks.
- For angina, the initial dose is 50 mg, given as one tablet a day. But if optimal response is not achieved in one week, the dosage is increased to 100 mg, given as one tablet a day.
- In patients with acute myocardial infraction, I.V. treatment will be initiated in a coronary care unit.
Avoid drinking apple or orange juice within four hours of taking the drug, as the juice prevents absorption of the medication.
Atenolol Overdose
In case of overdose, call 911. Hospitalization and intensive monitoring may be indicated.Treatment of atenolol overdose is symptomatic, and may address concerns such as acute heart failure, bradycardia, hypotension with shock, or hypoglycemia.
Missed Dose of Atenolol
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is less than 8 hours away, take the medicine at the next dose.Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Atenolol Pictures
