Tenormin (Atenolol Tablets) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Atenolol

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.

The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example, at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly and, usually, rapidly.

Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

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Tenormin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atenolol (Tenormin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to atenolol, or if you have certain heart conditions such as slow heartbeats, or heart block.

Before taking atenolol, tell your doctor if you have:

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes;
low blood pressure;
a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
depression;
liver or kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
myasthenia gravis;
pheochromocytoma; or
problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use atenolol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Atenolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take atenolol (Tenormin)?

Take atenolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take atenolol at the same time every day.

Do not skip doses or stop taking atenolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using atenolol. You may need to briefly stop using atenolol before having surgery.

Atenolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store atenolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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