Atenolol Drug Information

Atenolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). Atenolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.
What is the most important information I should know about atenolol ?
• Do not stop taking atenolol abruptly unless you are directed to do so by your doctor . Stopping atenolol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
• Call your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath .
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Atenolol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. What is atenolol?
• Atenolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulatory system (arteries and veins).
• Atenolol is used to lower blood pressure , lower heart rate , reduce chest pain (angina), and to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks.
• Atenolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atenolol?
• Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you have
· asthma;
· heart problems such as low blood pressure , a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, a pacemaker, heart failure, or any other heart problems;
· diabetes;
· depression;
· thyroid disease;
· kidney disease;
· liver disease; or
· any type of circulatory disease.
• You may not be able to take atenolol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Atenolol is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that atenolol is known to have harmful effects on a developing baby. Low birth weight and other effects have occurred. Do not take atenolol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Atenolol passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Slow heart rates in breast-fed babies have occurred. Do not take atenolol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take atenolol?
• Take atenolol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Atenolol can be taken with or without food.
• Take atenolol at the same time everyday whenever possible.
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Do not stop taking atenolol abruptly unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Stopping atenolol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an atenolol overdose include a slow heart beat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking atenolol?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Atenolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
• Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking atenolol before having surgery.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking this medication.
What are the possible side effects of atenolol?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atenolol and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; hives);
· wheezing or shortness of breath;
· an unusually slow or irregular heart beat;
· swelling of your feet and/or lower legs;
· leg pain or cramping;
· sudden weight gain (more than 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week);
· chest (heart) pain;
· cold or blue feet and hands; or
· skin rash.
• If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking atenolol and talk to your doctor:
· fatigue or confusion;
· headache or dizziness;
· weak pulse or mildly slow heart rate;
· diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea, or vomiting;
· depression;
· nightmlares; or
· impotence (difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection).
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect atenolol?
• Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you are taking
· a heart medication such as nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), reserpine (Serpasil), verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR), clonidine (Catapres), digoxin (Lanoxin), doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), or terazosin (Hytrin);
· a diabetes medication such as insulin, glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), glipizide (Glucotrol), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), or metformin (Glucophage);
· a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), and others;
· a respiratory medication such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Volmax, others), bitolterol (Tornalate), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine, Bricanyl), or theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, others);
· the stomach medication cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or
· prescription or over-the-counter cough medicines, cold medicines, or diet pills.
• You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with atenolol or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.