Uses
What is atenolol used for?
Atenolol is commonly used for the following conditions.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Chest pain in people with heart disease
- To reduce the risk of death in people after a heart attack
Atenolol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does atenolol work (mechanism of action)?
Atenolol blocks beta-1 receptors in your heart. These receptors normally bind to hormones called catecholamines. When catecholamines bind to these receptors, it causes your heart to beat harder and faster. Blocking these receptors helps your heart beat more slowly. These effects can help reduce chest pain, lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is atenolol supplied (dosage forms)?
Atenolol is available as Tenormin and generic atenolol in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 25 mg oral tablets
- 50 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral tablets
How should I store atenolol?
Atenolol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of atenolol?
The most common side effects of atenolol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heartbeat
There may be other side effects of atenolol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of atenolol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of atenolol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
New or Worsening Heart Failure. Atenolol may worsen existing heart failure or cause fluid buildup in your body. For individuals with underlying heart disease or heart damage, atenolol can potentially lead to heart failure over time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Heart Rate Changes. Atenolol can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or easily tired
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Atenolol may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Breathing Problems. Atenolol may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using atenolol and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Atenolol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using atenolol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use atenolol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use atenolol.
- Tenormin
- Atenolol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific atenolol products they stock.
Bradycardia. Atenolol should not be used if your heart is beating too slow (bradycardia).
Heart Block. Atenolol should not be used if the electrical signals in your heart move too slow (heart block).
Severe or Worsening Heart Failure. Atenolol should not be used if your heart failure is severe or getting worse, causing you to feel very tired, have trouble breathing, or swelling in your legs.
Cardiogenic Shock. Atenolol should not be used if you have a life-threatening condition called cardiogenic shock where your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
Untreated Pheochromocytoma. Atenolol should not be used in people with a certain type of adrenal gland tumor, called pheochromocytoma, if it is not being treated.
What should I know about atenolol before using it?
Do not take atenolol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share atenolol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep atenolol out of the reach of children.
Atenolol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how atenolol affects you.
Stopping atenolol suddenly may lead to chest pain, heart attack and death in people with heart disease. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using atenolol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if atenolol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Breathing problems
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid problems
- Pheochromocytoma
Diabetes. Acebutolol can decrease early signs of low blood sugar, such as fast heartbeat, and make it more likely for the low blood sugar to be serious, especially for people with diabetes.
Pregnancy. Atenolol can cause harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Breastfeeding. Atenolol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does atenolol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between atenolol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect atenolol. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking atenolol.
Does atenolol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking atenolol.
- Diltiazem and verapamil, which are medicines used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Clonidine, which is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Any medicine for irregular heart rate or rhythm
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for diabetes
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much atenolol?
If you or someone else has used too much atenolol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of atenolol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Atenolol?
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