Atenolol: What Is It? What Is It Used For? Detailed Prospectus
- Active Ingredient: Atenolol
- Indications:
- Beta-Blocker: Atenolol is a beta-blocker used primarily to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain).
- Hypertension: Atenolol lowers blood pressure by reducing the workload on the heart and helping it beat more regularly.
- Angina: It is used to prevent chest pain (angina) by reducing the heart’s oxygen demand.
- Heart Attack: Atenolol is also prescribed after a heart attack to reduce the risk of further attacks and complications.
- Arrhythmias: It is effective in controlling certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.
- Dosage Instructions:
- Adults: The typical dose for hypertension is 50-100 mg per day, taken orally. For angina or arrhythmias, the dosage may vary from 25 mg to 100 mg per day, depending on the condition.
- Elderly: The initial dose may be adjusted to 25 mg per day to minimize the risk of side effects.
- Special Instructions: Atenolol should be taken at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for missed doses.
- Side Effects:
- Common: Fatigue, dizziness, cold hands or feet, nausea, and slow heart rate.
- Severe: Shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or feet, irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
- If you experience any severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Warnings:
- Heart Conditions: Atenolol should be used with caution in patients with heart failure or bradycardia (slow heart rate). It should not be stopped abruptly, as this can worsen these conditions.
- Asthma: Caution is required in patients with asthma or chronic lung disease, as beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm (tightening of the airways).
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Atenolol is classified as Category D in pregnancy, meaning it may harm an unborn baby. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.
- Diabetes: Atenolol can mask symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetic patients, such as rapid heart rate, so monitoring blood sugar levels is essential.
- Drug Interactions:
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Combining Atenolol with certain calcium channel blockers may cause an excessively slow heart rate or low blood pressure.
- Antiarrhythmic Medications: Be cautious when using Atenolol with antiarrhythmic drugs, as it can increase the risk of severe bradycardia (slowed heart rate).
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of Atenolol.
- Storage Instructions:
- Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from light.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Expiration Date:
- Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Dispose of unused or expired medication safely.