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Atenolol

  • Atenolol can be used to treat a number of different conditions.
  • Do not stop taking these tablets without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
  • If you buy any cough or cold remedies, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside atenolol.

About atenolol

Type of medicineBeta-adrenoceptor blocker (often referred to as a beta-blocker)
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Angina (chest pain)
Irregular heartbeat
Protection of the heart following a heart attack
Also calledTenormin®
Available asTablets, oral syrup, and injection

Before taking atenolol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
  • If you have asthma or breathing difficulties.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you have diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
  • If you have psoriasis (a skin disorder).
  • If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
  • If you know you have Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain caused by spasms of the heart's blood vessels).
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
  • If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) or heart block (a slow and irregular heart beat).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take atenolol

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Atenolol is usually taken once-daily.
  • Take atenolol exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take atenolol at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly may cause problems.
  • It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with atenolol.

Can atenolol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, stomach upsetEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Light-headedness or fainting (especially when getting up from a sitting or lying down position)Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Dizziness, tiredness, blurred sightMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Cold hands or toes, sexual problems, shortness of breathSpeak with your doctor if any of these are troublesome

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store atenolol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Tenormin® 100 mg Tablets, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2007, accessed January 2010.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Tenormin® Syrup, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2007, accessed January 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3453DocRef: dils2614Last Reviewed: 14 Jan 2010Version: 23
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