Atenolol is a drug to treat anginal chest pain and lower blood pressure in hypertension. This medicine may also be used in the treatment of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Atenolol belongs to the class of beta blockers.beta blockers). This drug works by blocking the action of epinephrine in the blood vessels and heart muscle, so that the blood vessels can relax and the heart rate will slow down more. As a result, blood will flow more smoothly and blood pressure will drop.
Atenolol trademarks: Atenolol, Betablock, Farnormin 50, Internolol 50, Niften, Lotenac, Lotensi
What is Atenolol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Beta blockers |
| Benefit | Overcoming hypertension and angina |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Atenolol for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Atenolol may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Atenolol
Atenolol should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using atenolol:
- Do not use atenolol if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not use atenolol if you have experienced atrioventricular block or a very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia).
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart failure, coronary artery disease, pheochromocytoma, asthma, COPD, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or Raynaud's syndrome.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking atenolol, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking Atenolol before any surgical procedure, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Check regularly according to the schedule given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with atenolol so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using atenolol.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Atenolol
Atenolol should be used according to a doctor's prescription. The following is the dose of Atenolol in adults to treat hypertension and angina pectoris:
- Condition: Hypertension
The dose is 50–100 mg once a day. The dose can be adjusted based on the patient's response.
- Condition: Angina pectoris
The dose is 50–100 mg per day, can be given once a day or divided into several consumptions.
How to Take Atenolol Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking atenolol. Do not increase or decrease your dose, and stop taking atenolol without consulting your doctor.
Atenolol can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the atenolol tablets or capsules with the help of water. Give a pause of 4 hours before and after taking atenolol if you want to drink apple juice or orange juice to prevent interference with atenolol absorption by the body.
Take atenolol at the same time every day. If you forget to take atenolol, take this drug immediately if the interval between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Atenolol consumption can only control blood pressure, not to cure hypertension. Therefore, patients must adopt a healthy lifestyle so that treatment is maximized. Pay attention to the daily diet and avoid foods that contain a lot of salt (sodium).
Store atenolol in a closed container at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Atenolol Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of atenolol together with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of atenolol when used with aminophylline or oxtriphyline
- Increased risk of side effects when used with amiodarone or digoxin
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with atazanavir or ceritinib
- Increases the effect of each drug on lowering blood pressure and heart rate when used with calcium antagonist drugs, such as amlodipine, nifedipine, or diltiazem
- Decreases the effect of atenolol when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and indomethacin
- Enhances the hypoglycemic effect of insulin or antidiabetic drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Atenolol
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after taking atenolol:
- Dizziness or feeling of floating
- Nauseous
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or any of the following serious side effects:
- Pain appears in the chest or chest pain gets worse
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Dizzy like going to faint
- Cold hands and feet
- Shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, or rapid weight gain
