Atenolol - a beta-blocker

About atenolol

Atenolol is a type of medicamentos beta-bloqueadores. It is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart beats (arrhythmias), and angina (chest pain).

It is a medicine which works on the heart and blood vessels. It does this by blocking tiny areas (called beta-adrenergic receptors) where messages sent by some nerves are received by your heart and blood vessels. As a result, your heart beats more slowly and with less force. The pressure of blood within your blood vessels is reduced and it is easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

These actions are of benefit if you have presión arterial alta (hipertensión), or to prevent abnormally fast heart rhythms if you have arritmias. Because your heart is using less energy, it also helps to reduce chest pain if you have angina.

Atenolol is also available in combination with other medicines used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Combination brands of atenolol with a 'water tablet' (diuretic) called chlortalidone are Tenoret® and Tenoretic® (this combination also goes by the name co-tenidone).

Atenolol can also be prescribed to help prevent migraine. The leaflet does not contain information about this use of atenolol. If you have been given it for this reason, please ask your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment.

The most common side effects of atenolol are:

• Sentirse mal (náuseas).

• Estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Stomach upset.

• Feeling dizzy, tired or light-headed.

• Cold fingers or toes.

• Slow heartbeat.

• Sudoración.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que se suministra con su medicamento. Los efectos no deseados a menudo mejoran a medida que su cuerpo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes persiste o se vuelve problemático.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to atenolol, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking atenolol it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada o amamantando.

• Si tienes asma u otro trastorno respiratorio.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.

• Si tienes presión arterial baja o mala circulación.

• Si tienes diabetes.

• Si tienes un problema de piel llamado psoriasis.

• Si tienes una condición que causa debilidad muscular, llamada miastenia gravis.

• Si le han dicho que tiene un ritmo cardíaco lento o bloqueo cardíaco (un ritmo lento e irregular).

• Si le han dicho que tiene dolor en el pecho causado por espasmos en los vasos sanguíneos del corazón, llamado angina de Prinzmetal.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento, o si ha tenido alguna otra reacción alérgica grave.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about atenolol and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take atenolol exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken once daily, in the morning. Some people taking it for angina may be prescribed two doses a day.

  • Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you, and the directions for taking it will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said.

• Atenolol tablets are available in three different strengths - 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg.

  • Each time you collect a fresh supply of tablets, it's a good idea to check the strength on the packet to make sure they are the strength you are expecting. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist to advise you.

• You can take atenolol either with or without food, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day as this will help you to remember to take it regularly. The tablets are best swallowed with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose and take the next dose as normal). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

• Es probable que su médico le dé consejos sobre alimentación y estilo de vida, como seguir una dieta saludable, no fumar y hacer ejercicio regularmente. Si es así, es importante que siga los consejos que le den.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about taking atenolol and alcohol. Atenolol will worsen the effects of alcohol, which will make you feel dizzy.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with atenolol. Some medicines may not be (including some anti-inflammatory painkillers, and cold or flu remedies).

• Si va a someterse a una operación o tratamiento dental, es importante informar a la persona que realiza el procedimiento que está tomando un betabloqueante. Esto es especialmente importante si es probable que le administren anestesia.

• If you have diabetes, atenolol can block the symptoms of low blood sugar. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• Treatment with atenolol is usually long-term. Continue to take the tablets unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems in some people, so your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
  

Why is atenolol taken at night?

Your doctor might suggest you should take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you feel dizzy. After the first dose, and if there is no dizziness, atenolol can be taken morning or night to suit your routine.

Does atenolol cause weight gain?

Atenolol rarely causes weight gain. Minor changes in your weight may occur, but a healthy lifestyle can help.

What should you not take with atenolol?

Certain blood pressure or heart medications, asthma inhalers, and over-the-counter decongestants can affect how atenolol works. Speak to you doctor or pharmacist if you take other medication before using atenolol.