Atenolol
NHS information about the medicine atenolol, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What atenolol is for
Atenolol is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. It helps to lower blood pressure.
Atenolol is mainly used to treat:
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- chest pain (angina)
- heart rhythm problems
It's also used to help your heart recover after a heart attack.
Sometimes a doctor may prescribe atenolol to help prevent migraine headaches.
How to take atenolol
Atenolol usually comes as tablets you swallow.
It can also come as a liquid (oral solution).
Most people take atenolol once a day.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after around a week or more, depending on how well the medicine is working for you. This helps them find the right dose for you and reduces the chance of side effects.
When taking atenolol:
- try to take it at the same time each day
- swallow the tablets with a glass of water – do not chew them
- use the plastic spoon or syringe that comes with the liquid medicine to make sure you measure the correct dose
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of atenolol
Like all medicines, atenolol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of atenolol include:
- feeling tired (fatigue) and weak
- your hands and feet feeling cold, numb or tingly
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- a slow heart rate
These side effects usually happen when you first start taking atenolol or when your dose is increased, but they often get better over time.
Atenolol will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel tired or dizzy, or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of atenolol.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take atenolol
Most adults can take atenolol. It's sometimes prescribed for children.
Atenolol is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect to atenolol or another beta blocker before
- you have other serious allergies, especially if you have adrenaline auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen) to treat them
- you have breathing problems, such as asthma
- you have an overactive thyroid, diabetes, or kidney disease
- you have poorly controlled heart failure, very low blood pressure or problems with blood circulation
Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and atenolol
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
Taking atenolol while you're breastfeeding may cause side effects in your baby.
But your doctor may recommend you take atenolol if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby. Or they may recommend you try a different beta-blocker while you're breastfeeding.
If you're taking atenolol while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and atenolol
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.
Atenolol can be taken during pregnancy, but you and your baby may be offered extra checks if you're taking it.
If you need to take atenolol, your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of using it while you're pregnant.
Taking atenolol with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with atenolol.
This includes some types of:
- heart medicines, such as flecainide or digoxin
- blood pressure medicines, such as clonidine or candesartan
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen
- insulin or other medicines for diabetes
- medicines to clear a blocked nose (decongestants)
- adrenaline (which can be used in the treatment of allergies and in anaesthetics)
This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with atenolol. Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
