Atenolol, or Tenormin, is a prescription medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure and angina, or chest pain. It may also be given to individuals who have suffered a recent heart attack. It belongs to a class of drugs called the beta-blockers. Atenolol blocks beta receptors found on the heart to decrease the force and rate of the heart beat. It is associated with several side effects and warnings. By knowing what they are, you will know what to expect when taking the medication.
Hypotension
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is seen in up 10 percent of atenolol users. An extreme slowing of the heart rate, called bradycardia, may be present in 1 to 10 percent of individuals. Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and use caution when climbing up or down the stairs. If you experience chest pain or worsening of symptoms, contact your physician right away.
Dizziness
Atenolol may cause dizziness in about 5 percent of people, states the "Drug Information Handbook." Be careful when driving and engaging in activities that require alertness. Another common side effect is headache seen in up 10 percent of users. These side effects will lessen as time goes on and your body has adjusted to the drug.
Diarrhea
Atenolol has the potential to cause diarrhea in 1 to 10 percent of individuals. Drinking plenty of fluids may help. Also, try eating small frequent meals to alleviate this side effect. If diarrhea becomes persistent, contact a health care provider immediately. Nausea occurs in 1 to 10 percent of individuals, as well. Sucking on hard candy or chewing gum may help with this adverse effect. These side effects will subside once the body has adjusted to the medication. However, if these side effects are accompanied by a fever, you may have a fever and require medical help promptly.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another common side effect seen in individuals who are on atenolol. It may occur in up 10 percent of people and may be linked with fatigue and lethargy seen in many individuals. About 1 to 10 percent of people may experience this, according to the "Drug Information Handbook." Nightmares have also been associated with the use of atenolol occurring in about 5 percent of people.
Respiratory Depression
Beta-blockers are located in other areas of the body besides the heart, such as the lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas. The "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" explains that atenolol is cardioselective, meaning it specifically blocks the receptors on the heart and kidneys and will not affect the lungs. However, as the dose increases, atenolol loses its specificity and will affect the receptors in the lungs. This may lead to decreased respiration and bronchiospasms. Caution is used in individuals who have a history of asthma or other respiratory disease.
Diabetics
Diabetic individuals are instructed to act immediately when they experience signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. These signs and symptoms include sweating, dizziness, weakness and shakiness. The administration of atenolol in a diabetic may mask these signs and symptoms except sweating. This may be dangerous because untreated hypoglycemia may lead to coma and death.
Heart Failure
Atenolol may worsen preexisting heart failure due to the decrease in heart rate it produces. Atenolol is used in caution in this population, and individuals should be monitored closely.
Hypertension
Atenolol should not be discontinued abruptly. This may lead to a dangerous increase in heart beat, high blood pressure and lack of oxygen to the heart. Individuals should be tapered off gradually; this means the dose should be decreased slowly over time to avoid harmful effects.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Charles F. Lacy, RPh, PharmD, FCSHP, Lora L. Armstrong, RPh, PharmD, BCPS. et al; 2007
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al; 2008
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