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atenolol

This medication is used in the management of hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiac dysrhythmias (problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat caused by changes in your heart's normal sequence of electrical impulses). Treatment of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Contradications

Do not use this medicine if you have any of the following conditions:

Hypersensitivity to Atenolol
Sinus bradycardia
Uncontrolled heart failure
Heart block
Cardiogenic shock
Pheochromocytoma
Metabolic acidosis.

Side effects

Patients using this medicine might experience:

Slow pulse rate
Cold hand and feet
Nausea
Diarrhea
Tiredness
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness.

Expert Advice

Avoid this medication if:

You are allergic to this medicine or its contents.

Consult your doctor if:

You are pregnant, planning to have a child, or breastfeeding.
You have a medical history of liver disease, breathing disorders (asthma, bronchitis etc.), blood circulation diseases, Myasthenia gravis, thyroid disorders, or an irregular heart rhythm.
Your symptoms are getting worse, instead of getting better.

Be careful about:

Taking the medicine timely, in the way that your physician has prescribed. Keep in mind that it may take 10-14 days before effects can be seen.
Maintaining blood sugar if you are diabetic, while taking this drug.
Check blood sugar levels if you are diabetic, and on medication to treat diabetes. Taking this drug may make some of the signs of low blood sugar less prominent.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided
Performing any tasks that require alertness, such as driving, because this drug may cause dizziness. Only perform these tasks if you are confident in your abilities.

FAQs

Will this drug cause bleeding, or thinning of the blood?

This drug will not change bleeding tendency, or cause bleeding.

Will this drug cause changes in mood, body temperature, or energy?

Tiredness, and cold hands and feet are possible side effects of this drug.

Will this drug cause dizziness or headaches?

Headaches and dizziness are common and possible side.effects of this medicine. To prevent dizziness, try to avoid getting up abruptly when you are lying down, or any other sudden movements. Avoid activities that require alertness such as driving etc.

Can I stop taking this medicine once my blood pressure is normal?

This medicine should not be stopped unless your doctor recommends it, and it should not be stopped abruptly. Kindly follow the instructions of your physician regarding how and when to stop taking this drug.

What if I miss a dose?

You can take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember when it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose entirely. Do not double your dose to catch up for missed doses.