How does it work?

Atenolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers, which block beta receptors in the heart, lungs and other organs of the body. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals as they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations. Blocking the beta receptors in the heart causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. The heart therefore uses less energy and the pain of angina is prevented. Abnormal heart rhythms are also prevented. Due to the heart beating more slowly and with less force, the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body is reduced. This is just one of the ways in which beta blockers help to reduce blood pressure, however the whole mechanism is not fully understood. This medicine has also been shown to reduce the damage to the heart if taken in the period shortly following a heart attack. This decreases the likelihood of having a further heart attack and lowers the risk of continued illness and death.

What is it used for?

Angina pectoris

High blood pressure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Prevention of further heart attacks following an initial heart attack

Warning!

This medicine may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar such as increased heart rate, tremor and nausea. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar.

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

This medicine may mask the symptoms of the condition caused by an excess of thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis).

Individuals with kidney failure undergoing haemodialysis should take their dose of this medicine following dialysis, under hospital supervision, as it may cause a large fall in blood pressure.

This medicine should not be stopped abruptly, particularly in people with heart disease caused by poor blood flow to the heart (ischaemic heart disease).

Use with caution in

A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Conditions with disturbance of blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities

Decreased kidney function

Diabetes

Heart failure

History of asthma or wheezing

History of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Slowed conduction of electrical messages between the chambers of the heart (1st degree heart block)

Not to be used in

A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)

Conditions with severe disturbance of blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation (cardiogenic shock)

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (2nd or 3rd degree heart block)

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Uncontrolled heart failure

Untreated tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution in pregnancy, particularly in the first and second trimesters. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

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