Atenolol: Some information and questions to ask your doctor
Atenolol is a medication typically prescribed to those with a heart condition or other cardiovascular health issues, among other indications.
Only your doctor can determine whether this heart medication is right for you. However, to supplement your discussions with your doctor, we can help you learn more about this medication today.
In this article
How does atenolol work?
Atenolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to manage various heart-related conditions. It is also typically used for those with all grades of hypertension, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, and as a late intervention for a myocardial infarction.[1]
If you’re researching atenolol, you may have also come across Avapro (irbesartan) or Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) as they also belong to a class of drugs typically associated with lowering blood pressure.
The main difference is that atenolol involves a mechanism involving slowing the heart rate and decreasing its output for an easier workload. It also dilates blood vessels, which contributes to lowered blood pressure and a steadier heart rhythm.[2]
How do you take atenolol?
Atenolol is totally excreted by the kidneys. It is often in tablet form, taken once a day because of its lengthy half-life.[3] For optimal efficacy, this oral medication is best stored below twenty-five degrees Celsius, protected from light and kept away from moisture.[4] It’s crucial to follow the guidance of your doctor regarding atenolol dosage and the duration of your treatment.
Doses can range from 50 mg to 200 mg daily, depending on the condition being treated. Adjustments may be necessary for individuals like the elderly or those with kidney issues.[5]
Who can take atenolol?
Beyond the primary uses for hypertension, preventing angina, and treating arrhythmia, it is also typically used off-label for migraine prevention, treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms, addressing thyrotoxicosis, and aiding in the prevention of secondary myocardial infarction.[6]
One study demonstrated a 43% reduction in stroke risk among patients receiving atenolol compared with placebo.[7]
Another notable study is from an outpatient military mental health clinic, which revealed that atenolol offered considerable relief for mental health-related symptoms, especially for those with posttraumatic stress disorder (87%), anxiety disorders (81%), and other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorders (100%). All patients reported a preference for atenolol over propranolol, citing fewer or more tolerable side effects.[8]
However, it’s important to note that atenolol may not be recommended during pregnancy due to concerns over potential growth restrictions and low birth weight in newborns.[9]
Side effects of atenolol
While atenolol can manage various conditions, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects.
Common side effects include (but are not limited to) slow heartbeat, changes in digestion, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, headaches, heart issues, changes in sexual function, nausea, fatigue, numbness, feeling colder in the extremities, skin reactions, sleep disturbances, fainting, vision changes, and breathing difficulties.[10]
Atenolol is hydrophilic, which means it’s less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier. Yet, some people might still experience nervous system effects. A notable case involved a 54-year-old individual who, after using atenolol for three years, faced memory loss, which reversed four weeks post-discontinuation. Additionally, there have been reports of breast pain and swelling.[11]
Atenolol and other medications
Atenolol differs from other beta blockers like propranolol and nadolol due to its cardioselectivity – it works primarily on the heart with minimal impact on the lungs.[12] However, it’s essential to proceed with caution when combining atenolol with certain medications.
For instance, combining it with rivastigmine, especially in individuals with sick sinus syndrome or other heart conditions, may increase the risk of fainting and slow heartbeat. Additionally, using atenolol alongside amiodarone, digoxin, or verapamil could lead to heart block, reduced heart rate, and impaired left ventricular function.
There’s also a noted interaction with antipsychotics, such as a documented case of bradycardia with the use of risperidone and atenolol together. Moreover, because amifostine can significantly lower blood pressure, it’s generally advised to avoid taking it with a blood pressure lowering drug like atenolol.[13]
If you are taking any other medications, engage in informed discussions with your doctor to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective for your unique health journey.
Medicines you should not use with atenolol
When taking atenolol, it’s vital to discuss your entire medication regimen with your doctor, as some medicines can interact with atenolol, impacting its effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
Specifically, you may be asked to be cautious with other beta-blockers, including eye drops, and medications for heart conditions like disopyramide, quinidine, digoxin, amiodarone, and guanethidine. If you’re managing diabetes with insulin or oral medications or treating arthritis, pain, or inflammation with drugs like indomethacin or ibuprofen, these too require attention.
Even over-the-counter cold remedies and certain medications used during surgery or emergencies, such as dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and some anaesthetics, could interact with atenolol.[14]
How to order atenolol through Chemist2U
It can be difficult for those with chronic pain or chronic conditions to access prescription medications like amlodipine, perindopril arginine, and more. Ordering your prescription medication and over-the-counter goods with Chemist2U is easy, designed to remove the stress from managing your medication needs. This way, you have the medication you need when you need it.
Simply download our app, or use this website to either shop or upload your eScript. Add over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products to your cart for convenience. Rest assured, a qualified pharmacist in your community will carefully prepare your order.
For those in metro and major regional areas across Australia, we offer same-day delivery directly to your doorstep. Order before the cutoff for same-day delivery directly from the chemist to your doorstep. Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow 5 to 7 business days.
Chemist2U commits to making your medication management easier, providing compassionate support every step of the way.
Have your medication home-delivered by Chemist2U today.
References
[1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,920085011000036100/atenolol-sandoz
[2] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/apo-atenolol-tablets
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/atenolol
[4] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,920085011000036100/atenolol-sandoz
[5] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/apo-atenolol-tablets#how-to-take-this-medicine
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539844/
[7] https://www.nature.com/articles/ncpcardio0080.pdf
[8] https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/185/11-12/e1954/5874725
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539844/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539844/
[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/atenolol
[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/atenolol
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539844/
[14] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/apo-atenolol-tablets
