atenolol

Brand names: Atenolol

# Atenolol Overview Atenolol is a medication called a beta-blocker that helps treat high blood pressure and heart problems. It works by slowing down your heart rate and reducing the force of your heartbeat, which lowers blood pressure and makes your heart work less hard. Doctors prescribe atenolol to help prevent heart attacks, manage irregular heartbeats, and control chest pain. Many people take this medication every day as part of their regular health routine to keep their heart healthy and strong. Like all medicines, atenolol has important safety rules you need to follow. You should not suddenly stop taking atenolol without talking to your doctor first, because stopping too quickly can cause serious heart problems. Be careful if you're also taking other heart or blood pressure medications—some combinations can work too strongly together and cause dizziness or fainting. Always tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, and let them know if you experience unusual tiredness, slow heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Pregnant women and people nursing babies should discuss with their doctor whether atenolol is safe for them.

Known Interactions

Drug Interactions Catecholamine-depleting drugs (e.g., reserpine) may have an additive effect when given with beta-blocking agents. Patients treated with atenolol plus a catecholamine depletor should therefore be closely observed for evidence of hypotension and/or marked bradycardia which may produce vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension. Calcium channel blockers may also have an additive effect when given with atenolol (see WARNINGS ). Disopyramide is a Type I antiarrhythmic drug with potent negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Disopyramide has been associated with severe bradycardia, asystole and heart failure when administered with beta-blockers. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic agent with negative chronotropic properties that may be additive to those seen with beta-blockers. Beta-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. If the two drugs are coadministered, the beta-blocker should be withdrawn several days before the g

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE8,298 reports
  • NAUSEA8,144 reports
  • FATIGUE7,630 reports
  • DIARRHOEA7,051 reports
  • DYSPNOEA6,324 reports
  • DIZZINESS6,302 reports
  • HEADACHE5,952 reports
  • PAIN5,688 reports
  • ASTHENIA5,002 reports
  • FALL4,684 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with atenolol:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.