Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Headache
Slower than normal heart beat (bradycardia)
Dry mouth
Changes in mood
Fatigue
Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Visual disturbances
Dizziness
Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)
Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands leading to periods of white, painful hands (Raynaud's disease).
Cramping pain in the leg (calf) muscles on exertion (intermittent claudication).
Rash
Cold extremities, eg hands and feet
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
In diabetic patients, atenolol can prolong the lowering of blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) caused by insulin or other antidiabetic medicines. Individuals should monitor their blood sugar, as atenolol can also mask the signs of hypoglycaemia.
When atenolol is taken together with calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or diltiazem, the risk of slow heart rate, low blood pressure and heart failure may be increased. Atenolol should not be injected into a vein (intravenously) within 48 hours of discontinuing verapamil or diltiazem and vice versa.
When taken with nifedepine and possibly other calcium channel blockers, the risk of a severe fall in blood pressure and heart failure may be increased.
The increase in blood pressure which occurs when clonidine is withdrawn may be worsened if atenolol is taken together with clonidine. The atenolol should be stopped several days before slowly withdrawing the clonidine.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of atenolol.
Care should be taken when adrenaline is given with atenolol as this combination can cause severe high blood pressure and slow heart rate.
The use of certain anaesthetics with atenolol may increase the risk of low blood pressure and slow heart rate. Inform the anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine if you are to undergo a general anaesthetic.
When taken with digoxin or anti-arrhythmic medicines such as disopyramide there may be an increased risk of slow heart rate.
Other medicines containing the same active ingredients
<<Go To Page 1
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved
Mail
My account
Font size