Atenolol
Information about Atenolol
Atenolol uses
Atenolol is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), Angina (heart-related chest pain), Arrhythmia and heart attack.
How atenolol works
Atenolol is a beta blocker that works specifically on the heart. It works by slowing down the heart rate and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. The exact mechanism by which Atenolol prevents migraines is not established yet and may vary from person to person. Atenolol can prevent migraines by decreasing the excitability of the nervous system. Atenolol is also believed to decrease the dilation of blood vessels that are responsible for migraine.
Common side effects of atenolol
Fatigue, Slow heart rate, Dizziness, Cold extremities, Headache, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Sleep disturbance, Increased transaminase level in blood, Purpura, Low blood platelets, Mood changes, Confusion, Psychosis, Hallucination, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Visual disturbance, Impotence
Available Medicine for Atenolol
Expert advice for Atenolol
- It may cause dizziness. If this happens to you, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- It can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Do not stop taking Atenolol suddenly as it can cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Frequently asked questions for Atenolol
Atenolol
Q. How many hours does Atenolol take to reduce high blood pressure?
Usually, Atenolol starts working within 3 hours, but it can take up to 2 weeks to reach its full effect. You may not feel any difference in blood pressure after taking the medicine, but this does not mean that the medicine is not working. It is important to keep taking your medicine in the prescribed dose and duration to get the maximum benefit of Atenolol.
Q. Should I take Atenolol in the morning or at night?
Atenolol can be taken anytime in the morning or evening, usually prescribed once or twice daily. However, your very first dose of Atenolol may make you feel dizzy, so it is better to take your first dose at bedtime. After that, if you do not feel dizzy, you may take it any time of the day. Follow the advice of your doctor. It is advised to take it at the same time each day so that you remember to take it and consistent levels of medicine are maintained in the body.
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Atenolol?
If you have missed a dose of Atenolol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.