This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Atenolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension ( high blood pressure ).
Atenolol is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack .
Indications
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Atenolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension ( high blood pressure ).
Atenolol is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack .
Contraindications
You should not use atenolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree); slow heartbeats; heart failure ; or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
To make sure atenolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
congestive heart failure; coronary artery disease (hardened arteries); asthma , bronchitis, emphysema ; diabetes; overactive thyroid; liver or kidney disease; pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland); peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome ; or allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing).
Atenolol may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
Atenolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Atenolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to atenolol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
new or worsening chest pain; slow or uneven heartbeats; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or a cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Common atenolol side effects may include include:
cold hands or feet; dizziness; tiredness; or depressed mood.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use this atenolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block," very slow heartbeats, or heart failure.
Do not stop taking atenolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are having any type of surgery, be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medicine.
Atenolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medicine.
Atenolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
High Risk Groups
You should not use this atenolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block," very slow heartbeats, or heart failure.
Do not stop taking atenolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are having any type of surgery, be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medicine.
Atenolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medicine.
Atenolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Adult Dosage
150 mcg/kg (150 (150)) As recommended. IV infusion — Over 20 minutes. Maintenance dose 50-100 mg.
2.5 mg (2.5 (2.5)) As recommended. IV — At a rate of 1 mg/min
50 to 200 mg (120 (125)) 24 hourly PO —
Scraped Dose — Take atenolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using atenolol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
You should not stop taking atenolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure: Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your condition may need to be treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Child Dosage
1 to 2 mg/kg (1.5 (1.5)) 24 hourly Oral — -
1 to 2 mg/kg (1.5 (1.5)) 24 hourly Slow IV — -
Neonatal Dosage
1 to 2 mg/kg (1.5 (1.5)) 24 hourly Slow intravenous — Gradually increase the dose
1 to 2 mg/kg (1.5 (1.5)) 24 hourly oral — Gradually increase the dose
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
digoxin , digitalis; indomethacin ; any other beta-blocker-- bisoprolol , carvedilol , labetalol , metoprolol , nebivolol , propranolol , sotalol , timolol , and others; or heart or blood pressure medication-- amiodarone , clonidine , diltiazem , disopyramide , nicardipine , nifedipine , reserpine, verapamil , and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with atenolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Storage
Inj Store at room temperature, Below 30°C or in refrigerator. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight. Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.
