Atenolol - un betabloqueante

About atenolol

What is atenolol used for?

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

Es un medicamento que actúa sobre el corazón y los vasos sanguíneos. Lo hace bloqueando pequeñas zonas (denominadas receptores beta-adrenérgicos) donde el corazón y los vasos sanguíneos reciben los mensajes enviados por algunos nervios. Como resultado, el corazón late más despacio y con menos fuerza. La presión de la sangre en los vasos sanguíneos se reduce y el corazón puede bombear la sangre con más facilidad.

These actions are of benefit if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), or to prevent abnormally fast heart rhythms if you have arrhythmias. 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.

Side effects of atenolol

The most common side effects of atenolol are:

• Sensación de malestar (náuseas).

• Estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Stomach upset.

• Feeling dizzy, tired or light-headed.

• Cold fingers or toes.

• Latidos lentos.

• Sudando.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto suministrado con su medicamento. Los efectos no deseados suelen mejorar a medida que su organismo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero consulte a su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes efectos persiste o se vuelve molesto.

How to manage atenolol side effects

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

Before taking atenolol

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 está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si padece asma o cualquier otro trastorno respiratorio.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de sus riñones.

• Si tiene la tensión baja o mala circulación.

• Si tiene diabetes.

• Si tiene un problema cutáneo llamado psoriasis.

• Si padece una enfermedad que causa debilidad muscular, llamada miastenia gravis.

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

• Si le han dicho que tiene dolor torácico causado por espasmos de los vasos sanguíneos del corazón, lo que se denomina angina de Prinzmetal.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

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

How to take atenolol

• 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.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela en cuanto se acuerde (a menos que sea casi la hora de la siguiente dosis, en cuyo caso omita la dosis olvidada y tome la siguiente dosis normalmente). No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Procure acudir a las citas periódicas con su médico. Así podrá comprobar su evolución.

• Your doctor is likely to give you dietary and lifestyle advice about eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking regular exercise. If so, it is important that you follow the advice you are given.

• 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 a un tratamiento dental, es importante que informe a la persona que vaya a realizar el tratamiento de 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.

How to store atenolol

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

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

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

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.