Side effects of atenolol 50 mg. Atenolol 50mg Side Effects: Understanding Common and Serious Reactions

03.07.202311.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common side effects of atenolol 50mg. How can patients manage cold fingers and toes caused by atenolol. When should you seek immediate medical attention while taking atenolol. What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to atenolol.

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Common Side Effects of Atenolol: What to Expect

Atenolol, a beta-blocker medication commonly prescribed for various cardiovascular conditions, can cause side effects in some individuals. While many people experience no or only minor side effects, it’s essential to be aware of potential reactions. Common side effects of atenolol, occurring in more than 1 in 100 people, are typically mild and often improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

Drowsiness and Dizziness

Feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy is a frequent side effect of atenolol. These symptoms usually subside as your body acclimates to the medication. To manage this side effect:

Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy
Avoid driving, cycling, or operating machinery until you feel better
Limit alcohol consumption, as it may exacerbate dizziness

Cold Extremities

Cold fingers or toes are another common side effect of atenolol. This occurs due to the medication’s effect on blood vessels. To alleviate this discomfort:

Warm your hands and feet under running water
Massage and wiggle your fingers and toes to improve circulation
Avoid smoking and caffeinated drinks, which can constrict blood vessels
Wear warm socks and mittens
Avoid tight watches or bracelets that may restrict blood flow

Gastrointestinal Side Effects and Management

Atenolol can sometimes cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Understanding these side effects and how to manage them can help improve your comfort while taking the medication.

Nausea and Vomiting

If you experience nausea or vomiting while taking atenolol:

Stick to simple, bland meals
Avoid rich or spicy foods
Consider taking atenolol after a meal or snack
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or clear fluids
Take small, frequent sips if vomiting occurs

Is dehydration a concern when experiencing vomiting as a side effect of atenolol? Yes, dehydration can be a risk. Watch for signs such as decreased urination or dark, strong-smelling urine. If these symptoms occur, increase fluid intake and consult your healthcare provider if the problem persists.

Diarrhea

For those experiencing diarrhea as a side effect:

Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dark urine
Consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking any anti-diarrheal medications

Stomach Pain

If you develop stomach pain while taking atenolol:

Rest and try to relax
Eat and drink slowly
Consider smaller, more frequent meals
Apply a heat pad or covered hot water bottle to your stomach for relief
Consult your healthcare provider if the pain is severe or persistent

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, some individuals may experience serious side effects when taking atenolol. It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Concerns

Contact your doctor or seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Shortness of breath with a worsening cough during exercise
Swollen ankles or legs
Irregular heartbeat
Wheezing or chest tightening

These symptoms could indicate potential heart or lung problems and require prompt evaluation.

Liver-related Side Effects

Be vigilant for signs of liver problems, such as:

Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Pale stools
Dark urine

These symptoms may be less noticeable on darker skin tones but should still be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

Hematological Concerns

Unexplained bruising or increased bruising tendency could indicate low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). If you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor promptly.

Emergency Situations: When to Call 999

Certain symptoms require immediate emergency attention. Call 999 or seek emergency care if you experience:

Chest pain that persists for more than a few minutes
New or worsening chest pain if you have a history of angina

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and require immediate medical evaluation.

Recognizing and Responding to Allergic Reactions

Although rare, atenolol can cause serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some individuals. Knowing the signs of an allergic reaction and how to respond is crucial for patient safety.

Signs of a Serious Allergic Reaction

Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you experience:

Skin rash, which may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest or throat
Difficulty breathing or talking
Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical treatment.

Monitoring and Reporting Side Effects

While this article covers many common and serious side effects of atenolol, it’s not exhaustive. Patients should familiarize themselves with the complete list of potential side effects provided in the medication leaflet.

The Importance of Reporting Side Effects

Can patients contribute to medication safety by reporting side effects? Absolutely. The Yellow Card safety scheme allows patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects of medications. This reporting helps regulatory authorities monitor the safety of medicines and take action when necessary.

To report a suspected side effect:

Visit the Yellow Card website
Provide details about the medication and the side effect experienced
Submit your report

Your report can contribute to the ongoing safety assessment of atenolol and other medications, potentially helping other patients in the future.

Managing Side Effects and Continuing Treatment

Experiencing side effects doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop taking atenolol. Many side effects are temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, it’s essential to communicate with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience.

Strategies for Coping with Side Effects

Keep a symptom diary to track the frequency and severity of side effects
Implement the management strategies discussed for common side effects
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if side effects are bothersome or persistent
Never stop taking atenolol abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to adverse effects

How should patients approach their doctor about side effects? Be honest and specific about your experiences. Describe the symptoms, when they occur, and how they affect your daily life. This information helps your doctor determine whether adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary.

Balancing Benefits and Risks of Atenolol Treatment

While side effects are a concern, it’s important to remember that atenolol is prescribed because its benefits are believed to outweigh the potential risks for most patients. Atenolol plays a crucial role in managing various cardiovascular conditions, including:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Angina (chest pain)
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Prevention of future heart attacks in those who have already experienced one

The Importance of Continued Treatment

Why is it crucial to continue taking atenolol as prescribed, even if you feel well? Atenolol helps manage chronic conditions that may not always have noticeable symptoms. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to a rebound effect, potentially causing a rapid increase in blood pressure or heart rate, which can be dangerous.

If you’re concerned about side effects or the long-term use of atenolol, discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and, if necessary, explore alternative treatment options that may be more suitable for your individual needs.

Lifestyle Considerations While Taking Atenolol

To maximize the benefits of atenolol and minimize side effects, consider the following lifestyle adjustments:

Maintain a healthy diet low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Engage in regular physical activity, as approved by your doctor
Limit alcohol consumption, as it can interact with atenolol and exacerbate side effects
Quit smoking, as it can counteract the beneficial effects of the medication on your cardiovascular system
Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home, if recommended by your healthcare provider

By adopting these healthy habits, you can support the effectiveness of your atenolol treatment and potentially reduce the likelihood or severity of side effects.

Side effects of atenolol – NHS

Like all medicines, atenolol can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects

These common side effects of atenolol happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They’re usually mild and only last for a short time. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy

As your body gets used to atenolol, these side effects should wear off. If atenolol makes you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Avoid alcohol as it will make you feel worse.

Cold fingers or toes

Put your hands or feet under warm running water, massage them and wiggle your fingers and toes. Do not smoke or have drinks with caffeine in, as this can make your blood vessels narrower and further restrict blood flow to your hands and feet. Try wearing mittens (they’re warmer than gloves) and warm socks. Do not wear tight watches or bracelets.

Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your atenolol after a meal or snack.

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Take small, frequent sips if you’re being sick. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take contraceptive pills and you’re being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Diarrhoea

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take contraceptive pills and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Stomach pain

Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.

If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

If this advice does not help and you are bothered by any of these side effects, keep taking the medicine but tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking atenolol.

Tell your doctor or contact 111 now if:

you have shortness of breath with a cough that gets worse when you exercise (like walking up stairs), swollen ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat – these can be signs of heart problems
you have shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of your chest – these can be signs of lung problems
the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin, or you have pale poo or dark pee – these can be signs of liver problems
you get unexplained bruising, or you bruise more easily than usual – these can be signs of low numbers of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia)

Go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

you get chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes, or is new or worse if you already have angina

Chest pain is a possible sign of a heart attack and needs to be checked out as soon as possible.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, atenolol may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
you’re wheezing
you get tightness in the chest or throat
you have trouble breathing or talking
your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of atenolol. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 5 April 2022

Next review due: 5 April 2025

Atenolol Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop this drug. Some people who have suddenly stopped taking similar drugs have had chest pain, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, your doctor may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over 1 to 2 weeks.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain/tightness/pressure, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Warnings:

Uses

Atenolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat chest pain (angina) and to improve survival after a heart attack.Atenolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

How to use Atenolol

Side Effects

See also Warning and Precautions sections.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, and nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, blue fingers/toes, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, mood swings, depression).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as slow heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud’s disease, peripheral vascular disease), kidney disease, heart failure, serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while using this drug, especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, make sure children eat regularly. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, shaking), tell the doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using atenolol. Atenolol may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe weakness, fainting, trouble breathing.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Check your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.