The following information is a summary about Tenormin. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Tenormin medication prescribed?
Tenormin/Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure. Tenormin also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. Tenormin works by relaxing your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard.
This Tenormin medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Tenormin pharmacist for more Tenormin information.
How should this Tenormin medicine be used?
Tenormin/Atenolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Tenormin/Atenolol usually is taken once or twice a day. Follow the Tenormin/Atenolol directions on your Tenormin/Atenolol prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Tenormin/Atenolol pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Tenormin/atenolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Tenormin/Atenolol or take Tenormin/Atenolol more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tenormin/Atenolol helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take Tenormin/Atenolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Tenormin/Atenolol without talking to your doctor.
Additional Tenormin Information
Tenormin/Atenolol also is used to treat alcohol withdrawal. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this Tenormin drug for your condition.
Tenormin Precautions
Before taking Tenormin/atenolol,
tell your doctor and Tenormin pharmacist if you are allergic to Tenormin/atenolol or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and Tenormin pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for heart or high blood pressure; reserpine; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; diabetes; severe allergies; thyroid problems; or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Tenormin/atenolol, call your doctor immediately.
you should know that this Tenormin/atenolol drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this Tenormin/atenolol drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this Tenormin/atenolol drug.
What special Tenormin dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Tenormin/Atenolol Side Effects
Although side effects from Tenormin/Atenolol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Tenormin/Atenolol symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dizziness
lightheadedness
excessive tiredness
cold hands and feet
upset stomach
diarrhea
If you experience any of the following Tenormin/Atenolol symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
shortness of breath or wheezing
swelling of the feet and lower legs
sudden weight gain
chest pain
Tenormin/Atenolol Overdose
Symptoms of Tenormin/Atenolol 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
What other Tenormin information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Tenormin.
Do not let anyone else take your Tenormin medication. Ask your Tenormin pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Tenormin prescription.
In case of Tenormin emergency/overdose
In case of Tenormin overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other uses for this Tenormin medicine
This Tenormin medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Tenormin information.
What should I do if I forget a Tenormin dose?
Take the missed Tenormin dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Tenormin dose, skip the missed Tenormin dose and continue your regular Tenormin dosing schedule. Do not take a double Tenormin dose to make up for a missed one.
What storage conditions are needed for Tenormin?
Keep Tenormin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Tenormin at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Tenormin medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Tenormin medication.
