Atenolol

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Molecule Description

Atenolol belongs to a class of medicines known as beta-blockers.

Uses

Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treats uneven heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Help prevent chest pain characterized by a painful feeling of tightness in the chest (angina pectoris)
Protects the heart in the early treatment after a heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Contraindications

When should one not use Atenolol

Have severe liver disease
Have asthma
Have neuropsychiatric disorders
Have allergic reactions
Have an adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma) that is not treated
Have levels of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis)

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Nausea
Cold hands and feet
Can cause certain neuropsychological disturbances like unusual dreams, loss of control over body movements, sleeplessness, depression, and vision problem
Serious side effects include worsening of heart failure and excessive slowing of heart rate
It can even worsen diabetes
In a few cases, there are reports about sexual dysfunction

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Atenolol is known to have severe effects on the fetus as it crosses the placenta and reaches cord blood. Many complications ranging from growth retardation, malformations to fetal death, are reported. Hence, your doctor will prescribe it only if its benefit outweighs risk during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Atenolol excretes into the mother’s milk. Hence, it is not safe during breastfeeding.

Driving

Does not affect your ability to drive, but If you feel dizzy or tired when taking Atenolol, do not drive.

Alcohol

Alcohol might cause your blood pressure level to drop too low. You should avoid or limit your alcohol intake while taking Atenolol.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Be cautious if you have diabetes, Atenolol may cause low blood sugar levels and also change the body’s response to low blood sugar. You may experience warning signs of low blood sugar like an increase in heart rate, sweating, hunger pangs, headache, etc.
You have asthma or any other similar breathing problems
You have a type of chest pain (Prinz Metal’s Angina)
You have poor blood circulation
Your medication may change how you respond to having low blood sugar
Rapid heartbeats
You have thyrotoxicosis (a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland)
You have kidney or liver disease

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Atenolol is a beta-blocker. It works by decreasing the heart rate, blood pressure and strain on the heart.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Many medicines are known to interact with Atenolol. Hence, any medication which patient is taking has to be reported to the physician
Digoxin and calcium channel blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem, and Nifedipine) can further decrease the heart rate
Antihypertensive like Prazosin and Clonidine can lead to very low blood pressure when combined with Atenolol

Interactions with food items

Take Atenolol with a meal or right after a meal.

Dosage

Overdose

You must strictly avoid overdose, as it may lead to fatal consequences. The immediate symptoms of overdose are lethargy, breathing disorders, wheezing (whistle-like sound from the chest), missing heartbeat, excessive slowing of heartbeats. Swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, shakiness, dizziness, sweating or confusion, blurred vision, headache, pale color, numbness or tingling in the mouth, etc. are some of the symptoms for Atenolol overdose. Immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Missed a Dose

Atenolol excretes into mother’s milk. Hence, it is not safe during lactation. Again, your doctor will prescribe it only if its benefit outweighs risk during the lactation period. The infant needs close monitoring in such cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Don’t suddenly end taking a beta-blocker without talking to your doctor. If you stop a beta-blocker suddenly, you can suffer from chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack. Your doctor may tell you to decrease your dose gradually.

If you experience any symptoms of dizziness, syncope, vision problems, sexual dysfunction, slow heart rate, etc., report it to the doctor immediately. So that the doctor can adjust your dose depending on your blood pressure, heart rate, level of the medicine in our serum, and other essential factors.

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