Atenolol is a prescription drug used to treat several conditions, including high blood pressure and angina. This eMedTV segment further discusses approved uses and describes the drug's effects, dosing information, and potential side effects.
Among the atenolol side effects explored in this eMedTV article are common side effects like tiredness and dizziness; rare side effects like headache and dry eyes; and side effects to report to your doctor right away, such as chest pain and confusion.
If you're on atenolol and weight gain occurs, you can help it with diet and exercise, among other things. This eMedTV page explains that rapid weight gain along with swelling can signify heart failure in some people taking this drug.
As this eMedTV page explains, it is not known whether there's a relationship between atenolol and impotence (a problem reported occasionally in people taking the drug). If you do develop impotence while on atenolol, contact your healthcare provider.
This eMedTV article urges contacting your healthcare provider immediately if you're taking atenolol and low blood sugar symptoms occur. This page also lists some possible symptoms of low blood sugar, including extreme hunger, shakiness, and sweating.
Some people may have side effects while taking atenolol, and hair loss is a rare problem. This eMedTV page discusses the likelihood of developing this side effect while on atenolol and notes that in many cases, this hair loss appears to be reversible.
Dry eyes aren't a reported side effect of atenolol. But as this eMedTV page explains, if you're taking atenolol and dry eyes do occur, there are some things you can do, such as blinking several times a minute while reading or working on the computer.
It isn't known whether atenolol and depression are linked. This eMedTV segment lists possible depression symptoms to look out for while taking atenolol -- including restlessness and irritability, as well as feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.
This eMedTV resource lists numerous uses for atenolol, including high blood pressure control and relief of chest pain caused by angina. This page also lists some off-label uses for the medication, such as treating migraines or anxiety.
The starting dose of atenolol for people with high blood pressure or angina is 50 mg once daily. This eMedTV article also covers dosing after a heart attack and factors that can affect the amount you are prescribed (like other drugs you may be taking).
Calcium channel blockers and ibuprofen are among the drugs that can interact with atenolol. This eMedTV article describes how drug interactions can lower blood pressure too much or make atenolol less effective, among other things.
Among the people who shouldn't take atenolol are those with a slow heartbeat or serious heart failure. This eMedTV Web page also lists other warnings and precautions with atenolol, such as the safety of taking the drug if you are pregnant or nursing.
This eMedTV page lists complications seen in some fetuses or newborns exposed to atenolol in pregnancy (such as small birth weight) and explains that the drug may be given to a pregnant woman if its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her fetus.
Wheezing and tiredness are among the symptoms of an atenolol overdose. This eMedTV page lists factors that can affect the symptoms of an overdose (such as how much medicine is taken) and some treatment options (like supportive care).
This eMedTV Web page highlights generic atenolol, which is sold under the name Atenolol tablets. This page lists some available strengths of the medicine (including 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) and companies that manufacture it (such as Sandoz).
