Atenolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and treat heart attacks. Atenolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

Atenolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches and to treat alcohol withdrawal, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking atenolol,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atenolol or any other medications.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; diabetes; severe allergies; an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); pheochromocytoma; heart failure; a slow heart rate; circulation problems; or heart or kidney disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking atenolol, call your doctor immediately.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking atenolol.

• You should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using atenolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.

Side effects

Atenolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness

• lightheadedness

• tiredness

• drowsiness

• depression

• upset stomach

• diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• unusual weight gain

• fainting

Atenolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• lack of energy

• difficulty breathing

• wheezing

• slow heartbeat

• fainting

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• unusual weight gain

• shakiness

• dizziness

• rapid heartbeat

• sweating or confusion

• blurred vision

• headache

• numbness or tingling of the mouth

• weakness

• excessive tiredness

• pale color

• sudden hunger

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.