Atenolol

Dosage Forms Available

• Atenolol is available for use via oral (tablet, solution) and intravenous (injection).

Age And Dose Restrictions

• It is used for adults only and not recommended for children.

Contraindications 

• Atenolol is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradycardia, heart block greater than first-degree, cardiogenic shock, and overt heart failure.

Medications To Avoid With This Drug 

• Avoid medications like Reserpine, Rivastigmine, Disopyramide, Amiodarone, Digoxin, Verapamil, Clonidine, Indomethacin and Amifostine.

Overdose And Missed Dose

• Overdose can cause lethargy, trouble breathing, wheezing, Bradycardia (reduced heart rate), hypotension, bronchospasm and hypoglycemia, which needs to be managed as an emergency in a hospital setting. Therefore, strict adherence to the prescribed dose is essential.
• If you miss a dose of Atenolol, take it as soon as you remember. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing regime.

Management Of Side Effects

• Take this medicine with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and continue taking it as prescribed. If side effects worsen or persist, consult your doctor for a possible treatment plan adjustment. To avoid falls and injuries, sit down or lie down as soon as you feel dizzy. Move carefully when rising from a sitting or sleeping posture.

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• Atenolol can make you feel dizzy, tired and lightheaded. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental alertness or coordination until you know how this medication affects you. 

Caution In Other Conditions

• Caution is advised in elderly patients with a history of heart problems.
• Caution is advised in patients with slow or irregular heart rates or with a history of heart failure, asthma or other lung diseases, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma (a tumour on a gland near the kidneys) and impaired kidney function.

Use In Pregnancy And Lactation

• Atenolol is not recommended in pregnant women; caution should be exercised in breastfeeding women.

Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation

• Reduce your sodium (salt) intake, as high salt consumption can counteract its blood pressure-lowering effects.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, which can exacerbate the side effects of this medication.
• Maintain an optimum body weight as obesity and being overweight are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and also reduce the efficacy of ongoing treatment for conditions like hypertension.