Atenor (other name Tenormin)

Atenolol: Comprehensive Medication Guide

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Before starting Atenolol, inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, especially:

• Diabetes
• Heart or vessel disease, including slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or Raynaud's disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or emphysema
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• Any unusual or allergic reaction to Atenolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding

This information helps your doctor determine if Atenolol is safe and appropriate for you.

How should I use this medicine?

Take Atenolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Here are some important points to remember:

• Administer orally with a drink of water.
• Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully.
• Atenolol can be taken with or without food.
• Take your medicine at regular intervals to maintain consistent blood levels.
• Do not take more medicine than directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it could lead to serious heart-related effects. Consult your doctor before discontinuing.

Pediatric Use: Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children, as special care may be needed. Atenolol dosage for children is determined by the doctor.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact a poison control center or emergency room.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Atenolol:

• Take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is less than four hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take a double or extra dose to make up for the missed one.

What may interact with this medicine?

Atenolol can interact with other medications, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• Sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• Clonidine
• Digoxin
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Dobutamine
• Epinephrine
• Isoproterenol
• Medicine for blood pressure like amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Reserpine

This list may not be exhaustive. Provide your health care provider with a comprehensive list of all medications, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you are taking. Also, inform them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as these can also interact with Atenolol.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

While taking Atenolol, it's important to monitor your health and be aware of potential side effects:

• Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups to monitor your progress and adjust your medication as needed.
• Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your target blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact them.
• Atenolol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks requiring mental alertness until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Avoid standing or sitting up quickly to minimize dizziness.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Atenolol, as it can interfere with the medicine's effects.
• Atenolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly and consult your doctor before making changes to your diet or diabetic medication.
• Do not self-treat coughs, colds, or pain without consulting your doctor or health care professional, as some ingredients in over-the-counter medications may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Like all medications, Atenolol can cause side effects.

Report these side effects to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Breathing problems
• Changes in vision
• Chest pain
• Cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
• Depression
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• Fever with sore throat
• Rapid weight gain
• Swollen ankles, legs

The following side effects typically do not require medical attention but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Diarrhea
• Dry skin
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Headache
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Short-term memory loss
• Stomach upset
• Unusually tired

Where should I keep my medicine?

Proper storage of Atenolol is crucial to maintain its effectiveness:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).
• Keep the container tightly closed and protect from light.
• Discard any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Atenolol: FAQ

What is Atenolol used for? Atenolol is a beta-blocker primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. It helps to slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Can I drink alcohol while taking Atenolol? It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Atenolol, as alcohol can interfere with the medicine's effects and potentially lower blood pressure too much. How long does it take for Atenolol to start working? Atenolol typically starts working within a few hours to lower blood pressure and heart rate. However, it may take several weeks to achieve the full therapeutic effect. What should I do if I experience dizziness while taking Atenolol? If you experience dizziness while taking Atenolol, try sitting or lying down until the dizziness subsides. Avoid standing or sitting up quickly. If dizziness persists or worsens, consult your doctor. Is Atenolol a blood thinner? No, Atenolol is not a blood thinner. It belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers, which work by blocking the effects of certain hormones (like adrenaline) on the heart and blood vessels. Can I buy Atenolol online? Atenolol is a prescription medication, and therefore, you can only buy it from registered pharmacies after presenting a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

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