Warnings & Recalls for Atenolol
In
April of 2008, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration revised the labels on Tenormin (containing Atenolol) to include
warnings of the risks associated with taking beta-blocking medicine such as
drastic drops in blood pressure or extremely
slow heartbeats.
Atenolol is listed under the
FDA pregnancy Category D. Atenolol
can harm the fetus in a pregnant woman. It may also be transferred from the breast-milk to a nursing baby.
Do not take Atenolol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before taking Atenolol
notify your doctor if you:
- are allergic to any ingredients in Atenolol
- are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant
- have diabetes
- are taking any other medicines for treating high-blood pressure or myocardial infarctions (heart attacks)
- are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs
- have kidney disease
What Drugs Can Interact with Atenolol?
Calcium channel blockers and
digoxin can lower your blood to dangerously low blood pressures.
Do not drink
alcohol while taking Atenolol. This may impair your judgement and abilities.
If you have
diabetes, Atenolol can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar. Use with caution and
regularly check your blood sugar levels.
Check all drug labels before using them with
Atenolol. Medicines for colds, flu and pain-relievers could elevate your blood pressure.
Atenolol Treatment and Use
Atenolol | Senormin, Tenormin is a generic beta-blocker class medication approved by the FDA in 1981, used to regulate blood circulation throughout the body. Atenolol may be used to treat the following:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Rapid heart rate
- Angina (chest pain caused by a strain in the heart muscle)
- Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Atenolol may also be prescribed to reduce and prevent severe headaches and to prevent involuntary muscle contractions (tremors or shaking) in some disorders.
How does Atenolol Work?
Atenolol works by preventing adrenaline and epinephrine from stimulating the heart to beat rapidly. This reduces stress on the heart, creates a more steady flow of blood through arteries and veins, and reduces blood pressure.
Atenolol Dosage Information
Atenolol dose amount and frequency depends on the condition being treated as well as the patients medical health. Take Atenolol only as prescribed. Atenolol should be taken:
- with a glass of water
- at the same time every day
- regularly and continuously until your scheduled doses are complete
Do not take more or less than recommended by your doctor. Ask your doctor about other treatment procedures to follow if you are treating high blood pressure. Do not stop taking Atenolol even if you feel better; symptoms of high blood pressure can often be unnoticeable.
Check your blood pressure regularly while taking Atenolol.
Let your doctor and surgeon know if you are planning to have surgery and are taking Atenolol.
Warning: Do not end your use of Atenolol suddenly, this could lead to a heart attack, severe chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
