Information about Atenolol (Generic Tenormin) :


Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to decrease death due to heart problems after a heart attack. The exact mechanism of its action is unknown. It may also be administered for other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Atenolol in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in it; you have a very slow heartbeat, heart block, uncontrolled heart failure, shock caused by serious heart problems, or low blood pressure after a heart attack; you have an untreated adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma); you are taking mibefradil In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Atenolol:
Before using Atenolol you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have a history of any severe allergic reaction; you have a history of lung or breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], emphysema), heart problems (eg, heart failure, conduction problems, left ventricle problems), blood vessel problems, diabetes, kidney problems, an adrenal gland tumor, or an overactive thyroid.

Before using Atenolol you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: clonidine because the risk of severe high blood pressure may be increased; mefloquine because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased; amiodarone, calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem, verapamil), catecholamine-depleting medicines (eg, reserpine), digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, ketanserin, mibefradil, or quinidine because they may increase the risk of Atenolol 's side effects; indomethacin or phenylpropanolamine because it may decrease Atenolol 's effectiveness; bupivacaine, lidocaine, or quinazolines (eg, alfuzosin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Atenolol.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Atenolol:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Atenolol is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
In case you miss a dose of Atenolol, consult with your doctor immediately.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Atenolol usage may lead to dizziness or drowsiness. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Atenolol. Dizziness may be increased by alcoholic beverages, hot weather, exercise, and fever. It is recommended to sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning to prevent dizziness or fainting. You should sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you take Atenolol before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Be aware that Atenolol may decrease the amount of blood that flows to your feet and hands. You may become more sensitive to the cold. It is recommended to dress warmly in cold weather. Be careful when you are out in the cold for long periods of time.

Consult with your doctor if you have a history of any severe allergic reaction. Some drugs used to treat allergy may also not work properly while you are using Atenolol.

You may feel tired or run down for a few weeks after the treatment is started if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Continue taking your medicine even if no symptoms bother you. Consult with your doctor if you suffer any symptom.

Diabetes patients should check their blood sugar levels closely, as Atenolol may affect your blood sugar. Moreover, Atenolol may hide signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat. Check blood sugar levels closely. Consult with your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes drug.

You should monitor your blood pressure and pulse regularly.

You may need to change your lifestyle, as it helps to reduce your blood pressure. Consult with your doctor about appropriate diet and exercise programs that may be helpful to you.

Lab tests, including blood pressure and heart function tests, may be performed while you use Atenolol. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to the effects of Atenolol. Use Atenolol with caution in this group.

Use Atenolol with extreme caution in CHILDREN, as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Atenolol may be deleterious to the fetus. In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Atenolol while pregnancy. It is known that Atenolol passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding a baby while you take Atenolol, consult with your doctor and discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Atenolol:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: cold fingers and toes; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; nausea; tiredness or weakness.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blue fingernails, toenails, or palms; decreased sexual ability; fainting; mental or mood problems; persistent dizziness or lightheadedness; shortness of breath; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusually slow heartbeat.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.