Atenolol SE, or Tenormin, is prescribed for patients suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), angina, heart attack and chronic migraines. Atenolol carries many side effects, including several drug-interaction possibilities. A patient should carefully read the package insert to fully understand these interactions, as the drug-to-drug side effects are numerous.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
According to the PDR Nurse’s Drug Handbook 2010, atenolol’s most common and serious cardiovascular side effects are bradycardia (slow heart rate) and heart failure. Before taking atenolol, patients should measure their blood pressure and heart rate and discuss parameters for holding a dose of atenolol with a physician. Report feelings of general malaise or a feeling that the heart is not pumping correctly to a doctor. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and intermittent claudication (leg pain while walking and an early sign of peripheral vascular disease) also are possible side effects of Atenolol therapy.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
The most widely experienced side effects of the nervous system in atenolol patients are dizziness and fatigue, states Mosby’s 2010 Nursing Drug Reference. You can alleviate these side effects by rising slowly from a sitting or lying position and resting when fatigue occurs. Other side effects include lethargy, vertigo (the room spinning), drowsiness and increased periods of sleep.
Respiratory Side Effects
Atenolol therapy has been reported to cause the serious side effect of bronchospasm. Bronchospasm occurs commonly in asthma patients and involves constriction of the airway, making it difficult to breathe. Should this side effect manifest itself while taking atenolol, you should remain calm, because panic may further constrict the airway. Bronchospasm can quickly become a medical emergency, so seek help immediately if you don't have a rescue inhaler available. Atenolol users have also experienced dyspnea, or shortness of breath.
Renal Side Effects
Patients who routinely take dialysis may notice a lower-than-normal blood pressure when taking atenolol. Renal patients should discuss the timing of their daily dose of atenolol and scheduled dialysis appointments with their doctor. It may be necessary to hold the medication until after dialysis is completed for the day.
Other Side Effects
Patients taking atenolol have experienced nausea and diarrhea, skin rash, leg pain, low blood sugar and increased blood clotting. Patients already on blood-thinning products should discuss this possibility with their doctor.
References
- "PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook 2010;" Thomson Reuters and Alexander Ivy; 2009
- "Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference;" Linda Skidmore-Roth; 2009
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