Atenolol

Generic name: Atenolol
Brand names: Tenormin
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Cardioselective beta blockers

Usage of Atenolol

Atenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Atenolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Atenolol is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack.

Atenolol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to atenolol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

new or worsening chest pain;

slow or uneven heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or

a cold feeling in your hands and feet.

Common atenolol side effects may include include:

cold hands or feet;

dizziness;

tiredness; or

depressed mood.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Atenolol

You should not use atenolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree);

slow heartbeats;

heart failure; or

if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

To make sure atenolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

congestive heart failure;

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

diabetes;

overactive thyroid;

liver or kidney disease;

pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome; or

allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing).

Atenolol may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using this medicine.

Atenolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Atenolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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How to use Atenolol

Usual Adult Dose of Atenolol for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day Maintenance dose: 50 to 100 mg orally once a day Maximum dose: 100 mg per day Comments: -If desired response not achieved after 1 to 2 weeks, increase to 100 mg may be beneficial. -Doses greater than 100 mg once a day did not result in significant additional antihypertensive effects. Use: For the treatment of hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Usual Adult Dose of Atenolol for Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day -Increase to 100 mg orally once a day after 1 week if optimal response not achieved Maintenance dose: 50 to 200 mg orally once a day Maximum dose: 200 mg per day Comments: -Some patients may require 200 mg per day to attain optimal effect. Use: For the long-term management of angina pectoris due to coronary atherosclerosis.

Usual Adult Dose of Atenolol for Angina Pectoris:

Usual Adult Dose of Atenolol for Myocardial Infarction:

50 mg orally twice a day or 100 mg orally once a day Comments: -If IV beta blockers are contraindicated or inappropriate, oral therapy should continue for at least 7 days post-myocardial infarction (MI). -Treatment with beta blockers post MI should generally continue for 1 to 3 years if there are no contraindications. Use: For the management of hemodynamically stable patients with definite or suspected acute myocardial infarction to reduce cardiovascular mortality.

Usual Geriatric Dose of Atenolol for Hypertension:

Initial dose: Consider reducing the starting dose to 25 mg orally once a day

Warnings

You should not use this atenolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block," very slow heartbeats, or heart failure.

Do not stop taking atenolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

If you are having any type of surgery, be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medicine.

Atenolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medicine.

Atenolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What other drugs will affect Atenolol

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

digoxin, digitalis;

indomethacin;

any other beta-blocker--bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol, and others; or

heart or blood pressure medication--amiodarone, clonidine, diltiazem, disopyramide, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, verapamil, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with atenolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading

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