Drug Factsheets

CO Atenolol

(atenolol)

In this factsheet:
• How does CO Atenolol work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use CO Atenolol?
• What form(s) does CO Atenolol come in?
• Who should NOT take CO Atenolol?
• What side effects are possible with CO Atenolol?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for CO Atenolol?
• What other drugs could interact with CO Atenolol?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with CO Atenolol?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• back pain or joint pain
• breathing difficulty or wheezing
• cold hands and feet
• confusion (especially in seniors)
• depression
• dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• fever and sore throat
• hallucinations
• swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs
• symptoms of liver damage (such as yellow skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or itching)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness or passing out
• red, scaling, or crusted skin
• signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat)
• signs of bleeding (such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, vomiting blood, blood in the urine, dark tarry stools)
• severe shortness of breath
• severely slow heartbeat (especially less than 50 beats per minute)
• swelling of the hands or feet with shortness of breath
• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for CO Atenolol?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Breathing conditions: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems or chronic lung disease should not take a beta-blocker such as atenolol. Low doses of atenolol may be taken with caution by those with asthma who do not respond to or cannot tolerate alternative treatment.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: The use of atenolol is unlikely to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, it should be taken into account that dizziness, fatigue, or a slower reaction time may occur.

History of heart failure: If you have a history of heart failure you should be cautious while taking atenolol as it may increase the risks associated with this condition.

Hyperthyroidism:If you have hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones) you should use caution while taking atenolol as it may reduce the symptoms of this condition, giving a false impression of improvement. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.

Kidney disease: If you have kidney disease you should use caution while taking atenolol as you are at increased risk of experiencing side effects.

Low blood sugar: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking atenolol. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that affect insulin levels in the blood, you should be cautious and monitor blood sugar carefully while taking this medication.

Prinzmetal's angina: Atenolol may increase the number and duration of angina attacks in patients with Prinzmetal's angina. Therefore, people who have this condition should be cautious while taking atenolol.

Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe), you should talk to your doctor about what to do if you have an allergic reaction. Atenolol may make it more difficult to treat your allergic reaction with epinephrine.

Slow heart rate: In general, people with an abnormally slow pulse should not take a beta-blocker such as atenolol.

Stopping usage: Atenolol should not be stopped suddenly. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina and of heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring in people with angina pectoris who have done this.

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking atenolol.

Pregnancy: There have not been adequate studies on the use of atenolol by pregnant women; however, studies have shown that atenolol does cross the placenta. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking atenolol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with CO Atenolol?

There may be an interaction between atenolol and any of the following:

amiodarone amlodipine anesthetic agents antidiabetes medication (e.g., insulin) clonidine digoxin diltiazem disopyramide felodipine flecainide guanethidine

mexiletene nifedipine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen) procainamide propafenone quinidine reserpine verapamil

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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