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. Rare atenolol side effects, such as impotence and hair loss, were documented in less than 1 percent of people and may or may not be related to the medicine.

 

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 a lot 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.)
 

Common Atenolol Side Effects

Atenolol has been studied extensively in people with
 high blood pressure, people with angina, and people who have recently had a heart attack. In these clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common atenolol side effects include:
 
  • Tiredness -- up to 26 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 13 percent
  • Depression -- up to 12 percent (see Atenolol and Depression)
  • Shortness of breath -- up to 6 percent
  • Cold, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet -- up to 12 percent.
     
Other common side effects of atenolol (occurring in more than 1 percent of people and more often in the group taking atenolol) include but are not limited to:
 
  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • A decrease in blood pressure when going from a lying-down or sitting position to standing
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Lightheadedness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea.
     
(Atenolol Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;