Atenolol

What atenolol is for

Atenolol is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. It helps to lower blood pressure.

Atenolol is mainly used to treat:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• chest pain (angina)
• heart rhythm problems

It's also used to help your heart recover after a heart attack.

Sometimes a doctor may prescribe atenolol to help prevent migraine headaches.

How to take atenolol

Atenolol usually comes as tablets you swallow.

It can also come as a liquid (oral solution).

Most people take atenolol once a day.

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after around a week or more, depending on how well the medicine is working for you. This helps them find the right dose for you and reduces the chance of side effects.

When taking atenolol:

• try to take it at the same time each day
• swallow the tablets with a glass of water – do not chew them
• use the plastic spoon or syringe that comes with the liquid medicine to make sure you measure the correct dose

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of atenolol

If you forget to take a dose of atenolol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much atenolol

Taking an extra dose of atenolol can be dangerous.

Side effects of atenolol

Like all medicines, atenolol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of atenolol include:

• feeling tired (fatigue) and weak
• your hands and feet feeling cold, numb or tingly
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• a slow heart rate

These side effects usually happen when you first start taking atenolol or when your dose is increased, but they often get better over time.

Atenolol will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel tired or dizzy, or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.

Serious side effects

Atenolol can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of atenolol can include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• heart problems – causing symptoms such as feeling breathless, swelling in your legs and ankles, dizziness or fainting
• liver problems including jaundice – causing symptoms such as itchy skin, dark pee and pale poo, and yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eye (yellowed skin may be less noticeable if you have brown or black skin)
• hallucinations or psychosis

Who can and cannot take atenolol

Most adults can take atenolol. It's sometimes prescribed for children.

Atenolol is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect to atenolol or another beta blocker before
• you have other serious allergies, especially if you have adrenaline auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen) to treat them
• you have breathing problems, such as asthma
• you have an overactive thyroid, diabetes, or kidney disease
• you have poorly controlled heart failure, very low blood pressure or problems with blood circulation

Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and atenolol

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Taking atenolol while you're breastfeeding may cause side effects in your baby.

But your doctor may recommend you take atenolol if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby. Or they may recommend you try a different beta-blocker while you're breastfeeding.

If you're taking atenolol while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and atenolol

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.

Atenolol can be taken during pregnancy, but you and your baby may be offered extra checks if you're taking it.

If you need to take atenolol, your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of using it while you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking atenolol during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking atenolol with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with atenolol.

This includes some types of:

• heart medicines, such as flecainide or digoxin
• blood pressure medicines, such as clonidine or candesartan
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen
• insulin or other medicines for diabetes
• medicines to clear a blocked nose (decongestants)
• adrenaline (which can be used in the treatment of allergies and in anaesthetics)

This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with atenolol. Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with atenolol

You can eat as normal while taking atenolol.

Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking atenolol because it can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure.