What is an Atenolol Tablet?
Atenolol is a prescription medicine given alone or combined with other medicines to treat high blood pressure.
Doctors also prescribe Atenolol tablets to prevent angina and improve survival after a heart attack.
Atenolol tablets are available under the brand Tenormin and belong to a class of medications known as beta blockers.
Along with taking Atenolol tablets, you should make lifestyle changes like eating a low-fat and salt diet, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight to control your blood pressure.
After a valid prescription from the doctor, you can buy Atenolol tablets from licensed pharmacies.
How does Atenolol Tablet work?
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-1 receptors in your heart. Normally, these receptors bind to hormones known as catecholamines.
When catecholamines bind to these receptors, your heart beats harder and faster. Obstructing these receptors helps the heart to beat more slowly.
Further, these effects help to decrease chest pain, lower blood pressure, and even decrease the risk of heart attack & stroke.
How to take Atenolol Tablet?
You should take the Atenolol tablet as recommended by your physician. For the treatment of high blood pressure and to prevent angina, you can take this medicine once a day.
Atenolol is taken once or twice a day to improve survival after a heart attack. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Your doctor might change the dose occasionally. Make sure to get your blood pressure checked often during the treatment.
Do not take more or less of the Atenolol tablet or more often than the doctor recommends.
Depending on your age and medical condition, the doctor will determine the correct dose and duration of treatment with Atenolol tablets.
Your doctor will start your treatment with a low dose of Atenolol and slowly increase the dose to help your body adjust to the medicine.
Meet the doctor and tell him how you feel and about any symptoms you experience during this time.
Atenolol tablet controls high blood pressure and angina but does not cure them. This medicine might take 1 or 2 weeks to offer full benefits.
Even if you feel well, continue taking atenolol tablets and do not stop taking them without a doctor’s recommendation.
If you suddenly stop taking Atenolol, you can experience serious heart disorders like heart attack, angina, or an irregular heartbeat.
What are the Side effects of Atenolol Tablet?
Most side effects of Atenolol tablets do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
Following your doctor’s recommendation for the prescribed dosage can help to reduce the risk of severe side effects.
Common side effects of Atenolol tablet include:
- Slow heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
Serious side effects of Atenolol tablet include:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Unusual tiredness
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
- Unusual fast weight gain
What are the Precautions and Warnings for Atenolol Tablets?
Do not take Atenolol tablet if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions.
Before you start treatment with Atenolol, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Congestive heart failure
- Diabetes
- Coronary artery disease
- Asthma
- Liver or kidney disorder
- Bronchitis
- Peripheral vascular disease
Atenolol tablet is not prescribed for people with serious heart conditions and slow heartbeats.
Atenolol might harm an unborn baby. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medicine.
What are the Drug interactions for Atenolol?
Let the doctor know about all other herbal supplements and prescription & non-prescription medicines you take to avoid drug interactions.
Do not take the following medicine during the treatment with Atenolol tablet:
- Digoxin
- Any other beta-blocker like Bisoprolol
- Indomethacin
- Heart or blood pressure medicines such as Reserpine, Verapamil, Amiodarone, and Clonidine
How to Store Atenolol Tablet?
You can store Atenolol tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Atenolol Tablet (FAQs)
What if I miss a dose of Atenolol tablet?
Take the Atenolol tablet as soon as possible, but skip the missed dosage if it’s already time for your next dose. Do not take two doses of Atenolol at the same time.
How much time does Atenolol take to reduce high blood pressure?
Generally, Atenolol starts to work within 3 hours, but you will experience the full effects of this medicine within 2 weeks.
Can Atenolol tablet cause dizziness?
Yes. Atenolol can cause dizziness as a side effect. If this happens, sit or lie down unless your symptoms pass.
