Atenolol (By mouth)

Atenolol (a-TEN-oh-lol)

Treats high blood pressure and chest pain. Also reduces the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Tenormin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to any other beta-blocker medicine or if you have certain heart problems. Ask your doctor about these heart problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how atenolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using amiodarone, clonidine, disopyramide, indomethacin, reserpine, verapamil, or diltiazem.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, kidney disease, pheochromocytoma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have a history of severe allergic reactions or if you are scheduled to have surgery. Tell your doctor if you have heart failure or had a heart attack.
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level, and it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar. If you have diabetes, report any blood sugar level changes to your doctor.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating
Fainting or severe dizziness
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion
Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Cold hands and feet
Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017