Atenolol (
Tenormin®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called beta blockers.
Atenolol has been licensed to treat a number of conditions.
These uses include:
Atenolol may also be recommended for other reasons, such as treatment of
migraines or
anxiety. It has not been approved for use in children.
Atenolol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Adrenaline attaches to these receptors and causes certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
Atenolol helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors. By blocking beta-1 receptors, atenolol causes the reverse effect of adrenaline. It decreases heart rate, both systolic and
diastolic blood pressure, and the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take this drug include the following:
- Atenolol comes in a tablet form that can be taken with or without food.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
- For the drug to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Atenolol will not work if you stop taking it.
- You should not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Stopping it abruptly increases the risk of serious side effects (see Warnings and Precautions With Atenolol).
The dose that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Atenolol Dose for more information about dosing for this drug.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes atenolol will experience problems. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Atenolol Side Effects to learn about the possible side effects of this drug, as well as other less common, but more serious, problems to look out for.)
You can also read about other specific side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
Drug Interactions With Atenolol
Atenolol can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. During pregnancy, atenolol can cause problems with the developing fetus (see Atenolol in Pregnancy).
- Are breastfeeding.
- Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much of this drug may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
If you happen to overdose on atenolol, seek medical attention immediately.
The medicine should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Atenolol tablets should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
Keep this drug and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dosage as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Atenolol comes in a number of strengths, including:
Is Generic Atenolol Available?
This drug is available as a generic medicine. It is manufactured by a number of different companies.
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