Atenolol brands and prices in Pakistan

About Atenolol

Atenolol is a beta blocker. It slows the heart and makes it beat with less force, and it relaxes blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and eases the work of the heart. It is a prescription medicine that comes as tablets and, in some places, as a liquid. It controls blood pressure and chest pain but does not cure them.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have ever had an allergy to atenolol or another beta blocker.
• Do not take it if you have uncontrolled heart failure, heart block, a very slow or very irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure or very poor circulation.
• Do not take it if you have an untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour near the kidney).
• Tell your doctor if you have asthma, wheezing or other breathing problems. Do not take it if you have had these without checking first.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. It can change how you notice low blood sugar.
• Tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid, as atenolol can hide its signs.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, circulation problems or Raynaud's disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have serious allergies, for example to insect stings, or carry an adrenaline auto-injector. Allergic reactions may be worse and adrenaline may not work as well.
• Pregnancy: it can be used, but your doctor will talk through the risks and benefits, and you and your baby may get extra checks.
• Breastfeeding: it can pass to the baby and may cause side effects. A doctor may still advise it or suggest a different beta blocker.
• Tell any surgeon, dentist or anaesthetist that you take it before an operation or treatment that needs an anaesthetic.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Other heart-rate and heart-rhythm medicines such as verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, digoxin, flecainide, amiodarone, disopyramide and quinidine
• Clonidine: do not stop it without your doctor's plan
• Other blood pressure medicines, such as water tablets (diuretics), ACE inhibitors, candesartan and calcium channel blockers
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• Insulin and diabetes tablets, as blood sugar signs may be hidden
• Adrenaline (epinephrine)
• Decongestants and cold remedies, including those bought without a prescription
• Alcohol: limit it, as it can add to side effects such as low blood pressure

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you, in a regular routine. Swallow tablets whole with water. If you have the liquid, use the measuring device that comes with it.
• Doctors often start low and raise the amount slowly, so tell them how you feel while this happens.
• You can eat normally while taking it.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly. Ask your doctor first.
• Stand up slowly to avoid feeling dizzy or faint.
• Keep your check-ups and blood pressure checks. Your doctor may show you how to check your pulse. Call if it is much faster or slower than expected.
• If you feel tired, dizzy or have vision problems, wait until they pass before driving, cycling or using machines.
• Keep a list of your medicines to show at appointments, and order repeats early so you do not run out.
• Store out of the reach of children and never share your medicine.

Common questions

Can I stop atenolol if I feel fine?
No. Feeling fine often means it is working. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse, so speak to your doctor, who will lower it step by step if needed.

How long will it take to work?
It controls blood pressure and chest pain but does not cure them, and the full effect can take a while. Doctors often change the amount as treatment goes on, so keep taking it and keep your check-ups.

Can I drink alcohol?
Limit it. NHS advice says alcohol can add to side effects such as low blood pressure and dizziness.

Will it affect my blood sugar?
If you have diabetes, atenolol can hide some warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat. Tell your doctor or diabetes nurse, and check your sugar as advised.

Why do I have cold hands and feet?
This is a common side effect because beta blockers can reduce blood flow to the fingers and toes. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if it bothers you.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.