Generic Atenolol
Warning:
If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop
using Atenolol without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor
decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop
Atenolol gradually according to your doctor's instructions.
Uses:
Atenolol is used for chest pain (angina), high blood pressure and
irregular heartbeats.
How to Take:
Take Atenolol exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same
time(s) each day. Do not suddenly stop taking Atenolol without consulting
your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly
stopped.
Side Effects:
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred
vision as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging
in activities requiring alertness. Because beta-blockers reduce
blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be
more susceptible to the cold. Dress warm. Inform your doctor if
you develop: easy bruising or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion,
depression, a sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic
reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions:
Before taking Atenolol, tell your doctor if you have a history of:
heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis,
emphysema, any other lung disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid
gland, any drug allergies. Before having surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker. Atenolol
should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. Atenolol is excreted into
breast milk and though no problems have been noted, the possibility
for adverse effects to the infant exists. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you
may use, especially of: diuretics, cold preparations and nasal decongestants,
reserpine, other heart or high blood pressure medications. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
usually fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, slow or shallow breathing,
seizures, unconsciousness, weakness, or fatigue.
Notes:
Your doctor may want you to take your pulse each day while you take
Atenolol. Learn how to monitor your pulse.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered but not if it is
within 4 hours of next dose (8 hours for penbutolol, atenolol, nadolol).
If it is, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store
in the bathroom. |
