Medical Hex

Atenolol Side Effects

1. Overview

Atenolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta blockers, it is a selective beta1 blocker that can be used alone or in combination with other medications. Atenolol is used mainly in treatment of hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.

2. Atenolol side effects

Generally mild and transient side effects of Atenolol are well tolerated in most patients, but it is important to tell your doctor if experience any of these side effects.

3. Common side effects

Common side effects of atenolol include:

  • cold extremities
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • bradycardia
  • confusion
  • wheezing

4. Rare side effects

Rare side effects of atenolol may include:

  • dry eyes
  • Visual disturbances
  • hepatic disorders
  • skin reactions
  • atrioventricular block
  • Insomnia
  • Flatulence
  • Urinary frequency
  • Depression
  • Rash
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Fainting
  • Breathlessness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

5. Overdose symptoms

Adverse effects that occur because of overdose may cause profound bradycardia and hypotension.

Withdrawal of atenolol should be gradually, a sudden withdrawal will make the condition worse, and may result in:

  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Palpitations (sudden noticeable heart beat)
References

1. Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, B.B. (2018). Saunders nursing drug handbook 2019. Philadelphia: Saunders.

2. British Medical Association (2015). British Medical Association new guide to medicine & drugs. London: Dorling Kindersley

3. Anthony Trevor, Bertram Katzung, Marieke Knuidering-Hall/ Katzung & Trevor’s Pharmacology Examination & Board Review/ 11th edition/ United States/ McGraw-Hill Education-Europe/ 2015

4. Joint formulary committee, BNF 80 (The British National Formulary), 80th revised edition, Pharmaceutical Press, London, United Kingdom, [2020]

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