Atenolol Description

Generic Name: ATENOLOL

Pronunciation: (a ten' oh lole)

Trade Name(s): Aloten, Antipress, Atcardil, Atecard, Atelol, Aten, Atenex, Atenova, Atormin, Atpark, Beta, Betacard, Betadure, Betanol, Beten, Bidoten, Catenol, Eucard, Lakten-50, Lonol, Normolol, Pertenol, Telol, Tenase, Tenolol, Tenormin, Tensicard, Tensimin

Why it is prescribed: Atenolol is used to control high blood pressure and to prevent heart pain (angina).

When it is to be taken: Atenolol usually is taken once a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. It is important that you take this medication regularly, because atenolol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it.

How it should be taken: Atenolol comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction:
1. Do not stop taking atenolol without consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication abruptly can make your condition worse.
2. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) daily and will tell you how rapid it should be. If your pulse is slower than it should be, contact your doctor about taking the drug that day. Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low sodium diet, tell you to stop smoking, and restrict your intake of alcohol.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is near the time you are to take the next scheduled dose, omit the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects:
1. Lightheadedness and faintness can be seen when arising from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly.
2. Dizziness, fatigue, depression, leg pain, nausea, diarrhea, cold hands and feet are rare. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are severe or persist.
3. Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of feet and lower legs, sudden weight gain, chest pain, slow or irregular pulse. Contact your doctor immediately.
1. Lightheadedness and faintness can be seen when arising from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly.
2. Dizziness, fatigue, depression, leg pain, nausea, diarrhea, cold hands and feet are rare. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are severe or persist.
3. Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of feet and lower legs, sudden weight gain, chest pain, slow or irregular pulse. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions:
1. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors.
2. Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you have a history of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disease; heart disease; diabetes; kidney disease; or thyroid problems.
3. Before you take atenolol, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially reserprine and other high blood pressure medication.
4. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you are taking atenolol. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.