About Atenolol 50 mg Tablet
Atenolol 50 mg Tablet contains Atenolol 50 mg. Atenolol is a beta-blocker. It slows the heart rate and reduces the force of the heartbeat. It is used to treat high blood pressure, to prevent chest pain (angina), to control some fast or irregular heart rhythms, and to protect the heart after a heart attack. It is usually taken once a day and should not be stopped suddenly.
Uses of Atenolol 50 mg Tablet
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Angina (chest pain due to heart disease)
- Some fast or irregular heart rhythms
- Protecting the heart after a heart attack
Benefits
In high blood pressure
It lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In angina
By slowing the heart, it reduces how much oxygen the heart needs, so chest pain happens less often.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if they bother you. Do not stop it suddenly.
Common
- Tiredness
- Cold hands and feet
- Slow heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Get medical help if you notice
- Very slow heartbeat, fainting or severe dizziness — contact your doctor straight away
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing — stop and seek medical help
- Swelling of the ankles, breathlessness or sudden weight gain — may be worsening heart failure; contact your doctor
- Chest pain that gets worse — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet with water.
How it works
Atenolol blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart. This blocks the effect of adrenaline on the heart, so the heart beats more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure and the heart's need for oxygen.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and make you dizzy. Limit alcohol.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
It may affect the baby's growth. Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk and may slow the baby's heartbeat. Ask your doctor before using it.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness or tiredness. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
It is removed by the kidneys. Your doctor may lower the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
It is not processed much by the liver, but tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not stop it suddenly — this can bring on chest pain or a heart attack. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly if needed.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems.
- If you have diabetes, it can hide signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat. Check your sugar regularly.
- Tell the doctor or dentist that you take it before any surgery.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Phenylacetamide derivative (aryloxypropanolamine)
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular / antihypertensive
- Action class
- Cardioselective beta-1 blocker
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Verapamil and diltiazem | Can slow the heart too much or cause low blood pressure |
| Clonidine | If clonidine is stopped while on atenolol, blood pressure can rise sharply |
| Insulin and other diabetes medicines | Signs of low blood sugar may be hidden |
| NSAID pain killers | May reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect |
| Other heart rhythm medicines such as amiodarone or digoxin | Can slow the heart too much |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Atenolol prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: atenolol). Pharmacist review pending.