Atenolol Dosage, Brand Name, Side Effects, Warnings & Interactions

Atenolol is a prescription medication that can be used to lower blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. These medications work to relax blood vessels, slow heart rate, and reduce blood pressure. In the following article we discuss the brand names, dosage, side effects, warnings, and interactions of atenolol.

Atenolol Dosage

Take atenolol as directed by a healthcare professional. Take this medication by mouth with or without food 1-2 times a day.

Atenolol Dosage For Acute Heart Attack

Adult: 50mg ten minutes after the last IV dose followed by another 50mg 12 hours later.

Atenolol Dosage For Chest Pain

Adult: 50mg once per day. Your doctor may increase dosage as needed.

Atenolol Dosage For High Blood Pressure

Adult: 50mg once per day. Your doctor may increase dosage as needed.

What Is Atenolol Used For?

Atenolol can be used in conjunction with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, and many other health complications.

Atenolol Vs Metoprolol

Atenolol and metoprolol are similar medications, though they do function in different ways and have differing side effects. Atenolol has a longer half life and should be taken once a day, whereas metoprolol should be taken twice daily.

Atenolol Brand Name Drugs

Atenolol is available as the brand name drug Tenormin and as a generic medication.

Atenolol Side Effects

The most common side effects of atenolol may include:

Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Tiredness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Diarrhea
Sore throat

Serious Side Effects

Certain side effects of atenolol are more serious and less common. If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.

Shortness of breath
Weight gain
Cold sweats
Bloody urine
Vomiting
Swelling of the face
Loss of appetite
Leg pain
Black, tarry stools
Intense lower back pain
Night blindness
Double vision
Severe mood swings

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

How Does Atenolol Work?

As a beta-blocker medication, atenolol works by affecting responses to nerve impulses in multiple areas of the body.

atenelol warnings

This causes the heartbeat to slow, thereby decreasing blood pressure and reducing the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Atenolol Interactions

Reserpine and certain MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine may increase the effects of atenolol. Talk to your doctor if you are taking an MAO inhibitor and are considering taking atenolol.

Taking certain heart rhythm medications in conjunction with atenolol can lead to serious heart side effects. Examples of these medications include:

Amiodarone
Disopyramide
Digitalis

Calcium chain blockers are common medications used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure. Do not take atenolol in conjunction with any calcium chain blockers including, but not limited to: