Atenolol is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), chest pain (angina), tremors, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Atenolol blocks the site of action on the heart for a chemical (norepinephrine) responsible for the contraction of the heart and the rate of heartbeats.
This reduces the work rate of the heart and reduces the oxygen demand of the heart muscles, which is helpful in chest pain. Blocking of this chemical also helps control the heart rhythm and blood pressure.
An overactive thyroid can cause your heart to beat faster than usual.
You may experience:
Dizziness
If you feel dizzy when taking atenolol, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking it at night. You should sit down and rest for this effect to wear off.
Diarrhea
Constipation
Nausea
Fatigue
Cold feeling in your fingers and toes. You can massage your fingers or place them under warm running water. Caffeine and smoking can worsen this side effect.
You shouldn’t abruptly stop taking any high blood pressure medications. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if any side effects of medications become unbearable.
You may eat normally while taking atenolol. Excess salt can cause hypertension.
It is advisable to reduce your salt intake.
You should not take atenolol if you are an asthmatic.
Alcohol can worsen dizzy side effects. Alcohol also worsens high blood pressure. Consumption of alcohol is therefore not recommended.
If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.
If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.
Atenolol hasn’t been proven to affect sexual performance. Some men may complain of reduced sex drive and difficulty getting erections.
Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you encounter any problems. You must not stop taking your medications.
Atenolol doesn’t affect the effectiveness of contraceptives.
Certain contraceptives are not recommended for women with high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any contraceptives long-term.
Atenolol has not been proven to affect fertility.
You must not take atenolol when pregnant unless prescribed by your doctor. Atenolol can reduce the blood supply to your baby.
Atenolol can cause premature births and retard the growth of your unborn baby.
Your doctor may prescribe atenolol while you are breastfeeding.
Atenolol is secreted in breast milk. You should inform your doctor if you notice your baby becoming unusually sleepy or weak.
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