Atenolol is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain). It is also used after a heart attack. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Common uses

This medicine is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain). It is also used after a heart attack. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medicine, you must stop this medicine gradually according to your doctor's instructions. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking mibefradil. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, disopyramide, flecainide, indomethacin, quinidine, or verapamil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of heart block. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS INSTRUCTED YOU TO CHECK your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so. BEFORE TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate. Check blood glucose levels regularly.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness; lightheadedness or dizziness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed heart rate, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty breathing.