atenolol, Tenormin: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing

What is atenolol? How is atenolol used?

Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic chemicals, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, released by nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. One of the important function of beta-adrenergic nerves is to stimulate the heart muscle to beat more rapidly. By blocking the stimulation by these nerves, atenolol reduces the heart rate and is useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Atenolol also reduces the force of contraction of heart muscle and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate, the force of muscle contraction, and the blood pressure against which the heart must pump, atenolol reduces the work of heart muscle and the need of the muscle for oxygen. Since angina occurs when oxygen demand of the heart muscle exceeds the supply, atenolol is helpful in treating angina. Atenolol was approved by the FDA in August 1981.

What brand names are available for atenolol?

Tenormin

Is atenolol available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for atenolol?

Yes

What are the side effects of atenolol?

Atenolol is generally well tolerated, and side effects are mild
and transient. Its side effects include:

• abdominal cramps,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• fatigue,
• insomnia,
• nausea,
• depression,
• dreaming, memory loss,
• fever,
• impotence,
• lightheadedness,
• slow heart rate,
• abnormal heart rhythm,
• low blood pressure,
• numbness,
• tingling,
• cold extremities, and
• sore throat.

Atenolol can cause breathing difficulties in patients with
asthma,
chronic bronchitis, or
emphysema. In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and
heart blocks (defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), atenolol can
cause dangerously slow heart rates and even
shock.
Atenolol reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can aggravate
symptoms of
heart
failure.

In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping atenolol can
suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is
necessary to discontinue atenolol, its dosage can be reduced gradually over
several weeks.

Salt and sodium are the same.
See Answer

What is the dosage for atenolol?

• The dose for treating high blood pressure or angina is 25-100 mg once daily.
• Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is treated with two 5 mg
  injections administered 10 minutes apart. Ten minutes after the last injection,
  give 50 mg every 12 hours followed by 100 mg oral
  atenolol daily for 6-9 days. If atenolol injections are not appropriate, patients may
  be treated with 100 mg daily of oral atenolol for 7 days.

Which drugs or supplements interact with atenolol?

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and digoxin (Lanoxin) can cause lowering of blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels when administered together with atenolol. Atenolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.

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Is atenolol safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Atenolol may cause harm and growth retardation in the fetus when given to pregnant women.

Atenolol is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in an infant being breastfed.

What else should I know about atenolol?

What preparations of atenolol are available?

Tablets: 25, 50 and 100 mg. Injection: 5 mg/10 ml

How should I keep atenolol stored?

Atenolol should be store at room temperature 20 C to 25 C (68 F to
77 F).