Gen-Atenolol

Brand Name:Apo-Atenol, Co Atenolol, Novo-Atenol, PMS- Atenolol, Ratio-Atenolol, Tenormin

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Atenolol is primarily used (alone or in combination with other medications) to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and reduce the symptoms of angina (chest pain). It can also be used to protect the heart and prevent further damage after a heart attack, to prevent migraine headaches, treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, treat heart failure, irregular heartbeat conditions (e.g. atrial fibrillation) and for tremours.

Atenolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to atenolol, if you have heart rhythm conditions such as second or third degree heart block or severe sinus bradycardia. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • asthma or other lung disease
  • circulation problems in your arms and legs (e.g. Raynaud’s, peripheral vascular disease)
  • diabetes
  • heart failure
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
  • problems with your kidney
  • slow heart rate

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • cold hands and feet
  • decrease in exercise tolerance
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • nightmares

Other less common side effects include:

  • breathing problems (usually in people with other breathing problems, like asthma or emphysema)
  • impotence
  • mild changes in cholesterol levels
  • significant decrease in heart rate

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely
  • diltiazem, verapamil, amiodarone, digoxin
  • other medications to treat high blood pressure (May increase your chances for experiencing low blood pressure)
  • ASA & other anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, voltaren, diclofenac) (e.g ibuprofen, naproxen, voltaren) – May influence how well atenolol can work
  • if you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure, be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure. These include some cough and cold medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

If you are taking this drug for hypertension, your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to atenolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.

Children: Not typically recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnancy: Generally not prescribed. Safer drugs are available. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing. This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally. May cause dizziness.

Alcohol: should always be consumed in moderation.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause weakness, slow pulse, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, convulsions and possible coma. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call 911

Stopping the drug. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping abruptly may cause chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat or severe high blood pressure. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose: take it when you remember. However, if your next dose is within six hours, don’t take the missed dose. Instead, wait and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.