Atenolol (By mouth)

Introduction:

Atenolol (a-TEN-oh-lol)

Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). May also lower the risk of repeated heart attacks. This medicine is a beta blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Tenormin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of beta blocker medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®, Lopressor®, Toprol®, Tenormin®), or if you have low blood pressure or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If your next regular dose is less than 8 hours away, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some drugs should not be taken together because they can interact. A drug interaction may cause mild to very serious medical problems. It can also make one of the drugs not work properly or make it too strong.
  • There are many drugs that can interact with atenolol. This especially includes medicines for asthma, diabetes, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these medicines, or if you are using other medicines to treat your high blood pressure or chest pain.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, kidney disease, overactive thyroid, or diabetes.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar, and it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
  • Fainting or severe dizziness
  • Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
  • Swelling of your feet or ankles
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Cold hands and feet
  • Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or depressed
  • Trouble having sex
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
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