Atenolol - a beta-blocker

About atenolol

Atenolol belongs to the group of medicines referred to as beta-blockers. It is a medicine which works on the heart and blood vessels. It does this by blocking tiny areas (called beta-adrenergic receptors) where messages sent by some nerves are received by your heart and blood vessels. As a result, your heart beats more slowly and with less force. The pressure of blood within your blood vessels is reduced and it is easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

These actions are of benefit if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), or to prevent abnormally fast heart rhythms if you have arrhythmias. Because your heart is using less energy, it also helps to reduce chest pain if you have angina.

Atenolol is also available in combination with other medicines used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Combination brands of atenolol with a 'water tablet' (diuretic) called chlortalidone are Tenoret® and Tenoretic® (this combination also goes by the name co-tenidone).

Atenolol can also be prescribed to help prevent migraine. The leaflet does not contain information about this use of atenolol. If you have been given it for this reason, please ask your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment.

Before taking atenolol

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking atenolol it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have asthma or any other breathing disorder.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.

• If you have diabetes.

• If you have a skin problem called psoriasis.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you have been told you have a slow heartbeat or heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).

• If you have been told you have chest pain caused by spasms of your heart's blood vessels, called Prinzmetal's angina.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever had any other serious allergic reaction.

How to take atenolol

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about atenolol and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take atenolol exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken once daily, in the morning. Some people taking it for angina may be prescribed two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you, and the directions for taking it will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said.

• Atenolol tablets are available in three different strengths - 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Each time you collect a fresh supply of tablets, it's a good idea to check the strength on the packet to make sure they are the strength you are expecting. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist to advise you.

• You can take atenolol either with or without food, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day as this will help you to remember to take it regularly. The tablets are best swallowed with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose and take the next dose as normal). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Your doctor is likely to give you dietary and lifestyle advice about eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking regular exercise. If so, it is important that you follow the advice you are given.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about taking atenolol and alcohol. Atenolol will worsen the effects of alcohol, which will make you feel dizzy.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with atenolol. Some medicines may not be (including some anti-inflammatory painkillers, and cold or flu remedies).

• If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, it is important to tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking a beta-blocker. This is particularly important if you are likely to be given an anaesthetic.

• If you have diabetes, atenolol can block the symptoms of low blood sugar. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• Treatment with atenolol is usually long-term. Continue to take the tablets unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems in some people, so your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.

Can atenolol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with atenolol. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to atenolol, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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