- ATENOLOL (Tenormin, Loten)
Treats high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and
reduces the risk of repeated heart attacks. Belongs to a class of drugs called beta
blockers.
You should not use this medicine if you have asthma or if
you have had an allergic reaction to atenolol or other beta blocker medicines such as
propranolol (Inderal®) or metoprolol (Lopressor®).
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if
you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and
direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- Take as soon as possible unless it is within 8 hours of your
next scheduled dose.
- If it is within 8 hours of your next dose, skip the missed
dose and return to your regular schedule.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
Warnings
- Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you
have emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, thyroid disorders, or diabetes.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, because you may
need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.
- This medicine may decrease or increase the level of sugar in
blood and cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or
breastfeeding.
- You could be more sensitive to cold weather.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these
side effects:
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Skin rash, severe itching or hives
- Swelling of legs or ankles
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
talk with your doctor.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping or abnormal dreams
- Weakness, depressed mood
- Decreased sexual ability
- Cold hands and feet
