Atenolol

About atenolol

Before taking atenolol

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.

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

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 (link to current BNF).