Atenolol helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
It is also be used to help prevent angina pectoris (chest pain) and treat irregular heartbeat.
This medicine may also be used to reduce the risks of complications after a heart attack.
Atenolol may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Atenolol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Atenolol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- serious heart disease or problem e.g. very slow or uneven heartbeat, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block, uncontrolled heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker)
- severe narrowing or blockage of arteries outside of the heart and brain causing poor circulation of blood to the arms and legs
- low blood pressure
- metabolic acidosis (a condition wherein there is excessive acid in the blood)
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
as Atenolol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bronchospasm (breathing distress caused by narrowing of the airways) or other lung diseases
- Prinzmetal’s angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
- blood circulation disorder
- 1st degree heart block
- history of severe allergic reaction to allergens
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- diabetes
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- overactive thyroid gland
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Atenolol to an elderly person. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (kidney function, blood sugar [for diabetic patients]) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate before and after treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Atenolol may cause any of the following side effects: tiredness, cold hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and disturbed sleep.
This medicine may also cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- worsening chest pain
- severe dizziness, fainting or passing out
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- unusual changes in mood (being too depressed)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. verapamil, nifedipine, clonidine, reserpine
- other medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. digoxin, amiodarone, disopyramide
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, indomethacin
- epinephrine (a medicine that stimulates the heart)
- medicines to block pain and sensation e.g. methoxyflurane
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Atenolol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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