ATENOLOL (a TEN oh lole) treats high blood pressure. It also prevents chest pain (angina) or further damage after a heart attack. It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. It belongs to a group of medications called beta-blockers.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Diabetes
Having surgery
Heart or blood vessel conditions, such as slow heartbeat, heart failure, heart block
Kidney disease
Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
Myasthenia gravis
Pheochromocytoma
Thyroid disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to atenolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
This medication may interact with the following:
Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
Clonidine
Digoxin
Diuretics
Dobutamine
Epinephrine
Isoproterenol
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
Reserpine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Raynaud syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Nausea
Vivid dreams or nightmares
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. This may increase your risk of side effects, such as chest pain and heart attack. If you no longer need to take this medication, your care team will lower the dose slowly over time to decrease the risk of side effects.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.
This medication may affect blood glucose levels. It can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar often while you are taking this medication.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
