The prescription medication atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeat. Doctors also prescribe atenolol to improve survival after a heart attack, to prevent angina and migraine headaches, and to treat glaucoma. Atenolol may increase potassium blood levels, which can be dangerous. If you take atenolol, consult your doctor before taking potassium supplements or multivitamins that include potassium, or before using salt substitutes containing potassium.
Beta Blocker
Atenolol is classified as a beta blocker medication. It widens blood vessels by allowing them to relax, and it also slows the heart rate. This reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow. Beta blockers increase the risk of elevated serum potassium, a condition known as hyperkalemia, notes the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Beta blockers may reduce the transfer of potassium from the blood to other cells.
Hyperkalemia
Taking a potassium supplement is inadvisable except with your doctor's recommendation and supervision. Unless you need extra potassium because of a health condition, the supplements can cause hyperkalemia. You might not experience any symptoms of hyperkalemia, and your doctor may diagnose the condition only after you've had a blood test. In contrast, you could experience nausea, weakness, tingling in your hands and feet, or temporary paralysis. Hyperkalemia can become life-threatening, as it may cause an irregular heartbeat that results in cardiac arrest.
Case Study
A study published in the August 2009 issue of "La Revue de Médecine Interne," the official journal of the French National Society of Internal Medicine, discusses a case of hyperkalemia resulting from atenolol treatment. Other possible causes were excluded, and serum potassium levels became normal after the patient stopped taking atenolol. She did not make other changes to her medicine regimen or to her diet. Her potassium levels increased again when she began taking the drug once more, necessitating a complete discontinuation of the medication.
Other Interactions
Atenolol interacts with numerous other substances in addition to potassium supplements. Before beginning treatment with atenolol, tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take, including vitamins and herbal products. PubMed Health specifically lists calcium channel blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as substances that have negative effects when combined with atenolol.
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