Atenolol (a-TEN-oh-lol)

Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). May lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Tenormin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how atenolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using amiodarone, clonidine, digoxin, disopyramide, indomethacin, reserpine, verapamil, or diltiazem.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, kidney disease, pheochromocytoma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, or if you are scheduled to have surgery. Tell your doctor if you have heart failure or had a heart attack. Tell your doctor if you are fasting (including surgery, not eating regularly, vomiting).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • New or worsening heart failure
  • Increased risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar (including fast heartbeat)
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you could develop life-threatening heart problems.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially before you have any type of surgery.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Shaking, trembling, hunger, confusion
• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cold hands and feet
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088