Brand names Antipressan, Atenix, Tenormin, Totamol
Used in the following combined preparations Beta-Adalat, Co-tenidone, Kalten, Tenchlor, Tenif, Tenoret, Tenoretic, Totaretic
General Information
Atenolol belongs to the class of drugs known as beta blockers. It prevents the heart from beating too quickly and is used mainly to treat angina and high blood pressure.
Atenolol is a cardioselective beta blocker and is less likely to provoke breathing difficulties, but should still be used with caution by people with asthma, bronchitis, or other forms of respiratory disease.
Atenolol issometimes prescribed with a diuretic for high blood pressure, and may also be given just after a heart attack to protect the heart from further damage.
Atenolol does not cure heart disease, it only controls the symptoms, so it may have to be taken continuously over a long period, even for life. It needs to be taken only once a day, an advantage to people who have difficulty remembering to
take their drugs.
Quick Reference
Drug group Beta blocker
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-2 x daily.
Adult dosage range
50-100mg daily.
Onset of effect
2-4 hours.
Duration of action
20-30 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 6 hours, do not take the missed dose but take the next scheduled dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor; withdrawal of the drug may lead to dangerous worsening of the underlying condition. It should be withdrawn gradually.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
Atenolol has adverse effects that are common to most beta blockers. Symptoms are usually temporary and diminish with long-term use.
Interactions
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
When used together with atenolol they may increase the risk of adverse effects on the heart.
Antidiabetic drugs used with atenolol may increase the risk and/or mask many symptoms of low blood sugar.
Decongestants used with atenolol may increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Calcium channel blockers
Taken with atenolol; some of these drugs may further decrease blood pressure and/or heart rate. They may also reduce the force of the heart’s pumping action.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the antihypertensive effect of atenolol.
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have a long-term kidney problem.
You have heart or circulatory disease.
You have diabetes.
You have a lung disorder such as asthma or bronchitis.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
No special problems. Reduced dose may be necessary if there is impaired kidney
function.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how atenolol affects you because the drug can cause dizziness.
Alcohol
No special problems with small intake.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Atenolol may need to be stopped before you have a general anaesthetic. Discuss this with your doctor or dentist before any surgery.
Prolonged Use
No special problems expected.
