atenolol – oral, Tenormin
WARNING: Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop this drug. Some people who have suddenly stopped taking similar drugs have had chest pain, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, he or she may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over 1 to 2 weeks. When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain/tightness/pressure, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
USES: Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat chest pain (angina) and improve survival after a heart attack. Atenolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
OTHER: This medication may also be used to treat irregular heartbeat, heart failure, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and prevent migraine headaches.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Avoid drinking apple/orange juice within 4 hours of taking atenolol as it may prevent your body from fully absorbing the medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. This medication should be taken regularly for effective treatment of chest pain. Use other medications (such as nitroglycerin) to relieve chest pain as directed by your doctor. It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, and nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This medication may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use. Tell your doctor right away if any serious side effects occur, such as very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, blue fingers/toes, or mental/mood changes. Although rare, a serious allergic reaction to this drug may occur. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience other effects not listed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of certain types of heart rhythm problems, breathing problems, blood circulation problems, kidney disease, serious allergic reactions, and a certain muscle disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you can do so safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. If you have diabetes, this product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate/blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, weakness, fainting, or trouble breathing. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Check your blood pressure and pulse regularly while taking this medication. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. INFORMATION: For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. This information is intended to supplement the expertise of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for everyone. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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