What is Atenolol?
Atenolol is a prescription drug which comes in the form of a tablet. It is available in the brand name drug called Tenormin. It is used with or without medications for treating high blood pressure. Lowering the high blood pressure helps in preventing strokes, heart attacks and other kidney problems. The drugs are also used for the treatment of chest pain and to improve survival after a heart attack.
Atenolol uses
Atenolol tablets can be used alone or with other medications for treating high blood pressure. This is also used to treat and improve survival after a heart attack. Atenolol belongs to the class of medication called beta-blockers. This works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate for improving the blood flow and decrease the blood pressure.
Atenolol medications are used for:- Decreasing hypertension
- Reducing angina
- After a heart attack reduce the amount of work that the heart muscle has to do for pushing the blood through your body.
Atenolol Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Atenolol are:
- Cold hands and feet
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Shortness in breath
- Leg pain
Some of the serious side effects of Atenolol are:
- Red rash
- Fever
- Swelling of hands
- Trouble breathing
- Anxiety
- Tiredness
- Trouble in focusing
- Swelling of feet, ankles and arms
- If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Atenolol if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
- A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Atenolola side effects.
Precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking atenolol if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. The above drug may make that may contain chemicals or other problems. Please talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Atenolol talk to your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Breathing problems
- Blood circulation problems
- Kidney disease
- Serious allergic reactions
- Muscle disease
- You may even get dizzy with this drug. Alcohol or cannabis could even make you dizzy. Don't drive, use machines and equipment, or do anything else that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages, please. Talk to your doctor if you are taking marijuana.
How to take Atenolol?
Atenolol comes in the form of a tablet. This is usually taken once or twice a day. Try to take Atenolol tablets always at the same timing for avoiding any confusion. Follow the direction written on the prescription label carefully. Atenolol helps to control high blood pressure and angina, but it does not cure it. This could take 1-2 weeks before you feel the full benefits of atenolol. Keep taking atenolol even if you feel well. Don't avoid taking atenolol without consulting the doctor.
Drug form and strengths
Generic
Atenolol
- Form: oral tablet
- Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Brand
Tenormin
- Form: oral tablet
- Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Dosage for high blood pressure
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
Atenolol (50 mg once in a day)
Dosage for angina (chest pain)
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
Atenolol (50 mg once in a day)
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Atenolol tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed dose
Missing one or two-dose of Atenolol won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Allergy Warnings
- Red rash
- Fever
- Swelling of hands
- Trouble breathing
Warnings for some serious health conditions:
For people with Asthma/ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Generally, people with asthma or COPD should not take atenolol. A doctor can still prescribe it, but only in small doses with careful monitoring. Atenolol works by blocking beta receptors on heart cells. But in higher doses, atenolol can block different types of beta receptors found in the airways. Blocking these receptors can cause the airways to narrow, making asthma or COPD worse.
For people with diabetes
Atenolol can mask important signs of low blood sugar, including tremors and increased heart rate. Without these signals, it becomes more difficult to recognize dangerously low blood sugar levels.
For people with poor circulation
If you have poor circulation in your feet and hands, you may have worse symptoms when taking atenolol. Atenolol lowers blood pressure, so you may not get as much blood in your hands and feet.
Storage
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
- Before taking Atenolol to consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Atenolol rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Atenolol.
Atenolol vs Metoprolol
Atenolol |
Metoprolol |
|---|---|
| Atenolol is a prescription drug which comes in the form of a tablet. It is available in the brand name drug called Tenormin. It is also available as a generic drug. It is used with or without medications for treating high blood pressure. | Metoprolol is a beta-blocker which will affect the heart and circulation. |
| Atenolol tablets can be used alone or with other medications for treating high blood pressure. This is also used to treat and improve survival after a heart attack. | Metoprolol is used for the treatment of angina and hypertension. It is used for lowering the risk of death. |
Some of the serious side effects of Atenolol are:
|
The most common side effects of Metoprolol are:
|
