Atenolol Side Effects

There are a number of potential side effects that may occur during treatment with atenolol. A few common atenolol side effects include shortness of breath; cold, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet; and dizziness. Some serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider immediately include sudden weight gain, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.

Atenolol Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with atenolol (Tenormin®). However, not everyone who takes atenolol will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate atenolol well. When people do develop atenolol side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common but can still occur.
 
(The atenolol side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with atenolol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 

Side Effects of Atenolol to Report

There are a number of side effects with atenolol that you should report to your healthcare provider immediately.
 These serious side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Unexplained swelling or sudden weight gain (see Atenolol and Weight Gain)
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
  • Cold, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Worsening of asthma
  • Worsening of heart failure
  • Confusion
  • An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
     
(Atenolol Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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