Atenolol
(ah THE no lall)
Tenormin
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; nightmares; 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,
check with your doctor about any medications you are taking and any 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 may 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.
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