Atenolol

Description

Atenolol is a medicine that is used to treat high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), thyrotoxicosis (the symptoms caused by the over secretion of the thyroid hormone). It is also used to reduce strain on the heart following a heart attack and to prevent migraines. Atenolol relaxes blood vessels resulting in an improved blood flow to the heart. It also slows down the activity of your heart and reduces the rate and force of the heartbeats. As a result, the pressure at which blood is pumped and the strain on the heart is reduced. Atenolol may cause dizziness, headache, breathing difficulty, and low blood pressure. If you feel dizzy or tired after taking this medicine, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it. It can make you feel drowsy when you stand up suddenly, so it is advised that you get up slowly from a sitting or a lying position. Atenolol can be taken with or without food. For the ease of remembering, take this medicine at the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Abrupt stopping the use of this medicine may lead to more serious conditions like a stroke or a heart attack. This medicine is available in tablet and injection dosage forms. Your doctor will decide the dosage form and the dose of this medicine based on your condition. Atenolol may not be suitable for all people. It may not be recommended for you if you have asthma (or any other breathing conditions), kidney or liver conditions. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. Make sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Appropriate lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, exercise, and stop smoking to feel better besides using this medicine.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Atenolol

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Sweating
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Decrease in frequency of urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Diarrhoea

Uses of Atenolol

What is it prescribed for?

  • Hypertension
  • Angina pectoris
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The onset of action of Atenolol is depended on the dosage form. Oral forms (tablets): Atenolol starts showing its effects within 3 hours after taking it. Injection: Atenolol starts showing its effects within 20 minutes of administration.
  • Duration of effect
    The effect of Atenolol lasts for an average duration of 12 to 24 hours.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Atenolol as it may increase the risk of symptoms like very low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Atenolol.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Atenolol is safe to be used in pregnancy as it is not known to cause birth defects in your foetus. Hence, it is acceptable for use upon your doctor's recommendation. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before starting the treatment with this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Atenolol is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk at low levels and may cause harm to your baby. However, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Allergy

Avoid taking Atenolol if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is a condition in which your heart is unable to pump enough blood to the organs. If you have this condition, taking Atenolol can further reduce the amount of blood in your blood vessels, which can lead to serious side effects and complications.

Heart block greater than first degree

There are electrical signals that control the heartbeat and cause your heart muscle to contract and pump blood properly. Heart block occurs when these signals are slowed down. Heart blocks can be first, second, or third-degree based on severity. Atenolol is not recommended to treat second or third-degree heart block that requires emergency attention.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia or slow heart rate occurs when your heart beats less than 60 times per minute. It can lead to serious heart conditions like a heart attack. Atenolol is not recommended for use in such cases as it can slow the heart rate even further which can worsen your condition and lead to other complications.

Decompensated heart failure

Decompensated heart failure is a condition where a change in the structure of heart tissue leads to the inability of the heart to pump and/or maintain normal blood pressure levels. Atenolol can further lower the blood pressure in people with decompensated heart failure which may cause a need for immediate medical intervention.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Atenolol is safe to be used in pregnancy as it is not known to cause birth defects in your foetus. Hence, it is acceptable for use upon your doctor's recommendation. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before starting the treatment with this medicine.

Breast-feeding

Atenolol is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk at low levels and may cause harm to your baby. However, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings

Driving or operating machines

Atenolol may cause dizziness and fatigue in some people. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.

Major surgery

Atenolol should be used with caution if you are going for undergoing major surgery. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine to be taken before and after the surgical procedure.

Sports

Athletes are advised not to indulge in certain sports while using Atenolol. Archery, racing, shooting and other high-risk sports should be avoided. Sportspersons should refer to the list of medicines published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that are not to be taken while participating in certain specific sports.

Hyperthyroidism

Atenolol may be used to control symptoms like a fast or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, heat intolerance, or shivering in people with very high thyroid levels. If the use of this medicine is stopped abruptly, it can lead to a condition called thyroid storm, where your body suddenly starts overproduction of thyroid hormones. Hence, treatment should gradually be stopped with dose reduction for 1-2 weeks under the supervision of your doctor.

Hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia is a condition where the levels of fat or cholesterol in your blood are high. Atenolol can increase the cholesterol levels in the blood. Atenolol should be used with caution if you have hyperlipidaemia. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine if required based on your condition.

Withdrawal symptoms

The use of Atenolol should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your doctor. You may feel symptoms like restlessness, change in pulse rate, confusion, etc. The dose of this medicine should be reduced gradually to keep these side effects away. It may also trigger more serious conditions like a heart attack.

Use in children

Atenolol is generally not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age. If it is prescribed for children then caution must be taken to ensure the exact dosage is given to the child. Inform your doctor if your child has any conditions like asthma or any liver and kidney problems.

Missed Dose

Oral forms: If you forget to take a dose of Atenolol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double your dose to compensate for a missed one. Injection: Since Atenolol injection is administered in a hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.

Overdose

Oral forms: Never take more than the prescribed dose of Atenolol. If you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of this medicine, seek immediate medical attention. Injection: Since atenolol injection is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, your doctor will take appropriate measures if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Atenolol as it may increase the risk of symptoms like very low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.
Interaction with Medicine

Alprazolam

Diltiazem

Theophylline

Diclofenac

Digitoxin

Indomethacin

Disease interactions

Asthma/ COPD

Use Atenolol with caution if you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Atenolol use can aggravate breathing difficulty and also worsen the symptoms of such respiratory conditions.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma or high eye pressure occurs when the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged. Take Atenolol with caution and with your doctor's supervision if you have Glaucoma as it may increase the risk of mydriasis (a condition in which the pupil of your eye gets widened due to increased eye pressure). Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine if required based on your condition.

Diabetes

Atenolol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes. Your doctor may monitor your blood sugar levels while on treatment with this medicine.

Hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia is a condition of high levels of fat or cholesterol in the blood. Atenolol can increase the cholesterol levels in the blood. Hence use Atenolol with caution if you have hyperlipidaemia.

Kidney diseases

Atenolol filtered in the kidney and eliminated through urine. If you have kidney problems, use this medicine with caution as it may accumulate in the impaired kidneys and cause serious side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine and suggest tests to monitor your kidney function based on the clinical condition.

Peripheral vascular disease

Atenolol can widen blood vessels and reduce cardiac output (amount of blood pumped by the heart). This may worsen the symptoms of insufficient blood supply associated with peripheral vascular disease. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your heart functioning and adjust the dose of this medicine if required based on your condition.
Food interactions
Using Atenolol together with multivitamins with minerals may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. Take Atenolol 2 hours before taking multivitamins with minerals.
Using Atenolol together with multivitamin medicine with minerals may reduce the effectiveness of Atenolol. Take Atenolol oral forms at least 2 hours before taking multivitamins with minerals.
Orange juice affects the absorption of this medicine. Frequent consumption of orange juice during therapy with Atenolol can decrease its effectiveness.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take atenolol with or without food. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Atenolol should not be taken with coffee as coffee can reduce the effectiveness of atenolol. Atenolol may mask the symptoms of diabetes so regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended. Inform your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects or if you experience headaches after the first week of treatment. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. This could lead to serious side effects. Atenolol It may make you feel drowsy and increase the risk of fall if you stand up suddenly, so it is advised that you stand up slowly and with some support. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after taking this medicine as may cause dizziness. Appropriate lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, exercise, and smoking cessation should be done along with this medicine to get the best possible effect. Injection: Atenolol injection should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital. Do not self administer.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Atenolol blocks the beta receptors which increases the heart rate and the heart's strength of contraction. This causes your heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully. It also helps to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on your heart.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Cardioselective beta blockers, Beta Blockers

Schedule

Schedule H

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Atenolol 100 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 February 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/25739>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - atenolol- atenolol tablet. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 February 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f36d4ed3-dcbb-4465-9fa6-1da811f555e6>

Drugs, H., 2021. Atenolol: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 4 February 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684031.html>

Guidetopharmacology.org. 2021. atenolol | Ligand page | IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 29 September 2021].

https://www.guidetopharmacology.org/GRAC/LigandDisplayForward?ligandId=548>

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Atenolol. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 March 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Atenolol>

Medicinesforchildren.org.uk. 2021. Atenolol for hypertension | Medicines for Children. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 29 September 2021].

https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/atenolol-hypertension-0>

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Information on this page was last updated on 1 Oct 2021

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.