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Introduction of Atenolol
Atenolol is used alone or in combination with
other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is
used to prevent angina (chest pain) and treat heart attacks.
Atenolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches
and to treat alcohol withdrawal, heart failure, and irregular
heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of
using this medication for your condition. Atenolol is in a
class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing
the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart
does not have to pump as hard.
Precautions before using Atenolol
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tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
atenolol or any other medications.
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tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to
mention any of the following: calcium channel blockers such
as diltiazem and verapamil; clonidine; nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications such as indomethacin; and
reserpine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
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tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or
other lung disease; diabetes; severe allergies; an
overactive thyroid gland; pheochromocytoma; heart failure; a
slow heart rate; circulation problems; or heart or kidney
disease.
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tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking atenolol, call your doctor immediately.
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if
you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking atenolol.
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you should know that if you have allergic reactions to
different substances, your reactions may be worse while you
are using atenolol, and your allergic reactions may not
respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.
Side Effects of Atenolol
Atenolol may cause side effects. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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dizziness
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lightheadedness
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tiredness
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drowsiness
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depression
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upset stomach
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diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. The following
symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call
your doctor immediately:
Atenolol may cause other side effects. Call
your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this
medication.
Storage of Atenolol
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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