atenolol

What is this medicine?

ATENOLOL (a TEN oh lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent chest pain. It is also used to protect the heart during a heart attack and to prevent an additional heart attack from occurring.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease
• kidney disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• pheochromocytoma
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to atenolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take more medicine than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• clonidine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• dobutamine
• epinephrine
• isoproterenol
• medicine for blood pressure like amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.