Brand Names: Tenormin

Generic Name: atenolol (Pronunciation: ah TEN oh lol)

• What is atenolol (Tenormin)?
• What are the possible side effects of atenolol (Tenormin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about atenolol (Tenormin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atenolol (Tenormin)?
• How should I take atenolol (Tenormin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tenormin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tenormin)?
• What should I avoid while taking atenolol (Tenormin)?
• What other drugs will affect atenolol (Tenormin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is atenolol (Tenormin)?

Atenolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Atenolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.

Atenolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Atenolol 100 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG 264

Atenolol 100 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with Z 67

Atenolol 100 mg-MUT

round, white, imprinted with MP 147

Atenolol 100 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, 757

Atenolol 100 mg-SCH

round, white, imprinted with DAN 100, 5778

Atenolol 100 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with 93 753

Atenolol 100 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 5778, DAN 100

Atenolol 25 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with INV, 259

Atenolol 25 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG L7

Atenolol 25 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with 65, Z

Atenolol 25 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, A2

Atenolol 25 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with 787, 93

Atenolol 50 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG 263

Atenolol 50 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with GG 263

Atenolol 50 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with Z 66

Atenolol 50 mg-MUT

round, white, imprinted with MP 146

Atenolol 50 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, 231

Atenolol 50 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with 93 752

Atenolol 50 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 5777, DAN 50

Tenormin 100 mg

round, white, imprinted with 101, TENORMIN

Tenormin 25 mg

round, white, imprinted with T, 107

Tenormin 50 mg

round, white, imprinted with 105, TENORMIN

What are the possible side effects of atenolol (Tenormin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or uneven heartbeats;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• depression; or
• cold feeling in your hands and feet.

Less serious side effects may include:

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• tired feeling; or
• anxiety, nervousness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Tenormin (atenolol tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about atenolol (Tenormin)?

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

If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using atenolol. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using atenolol.

Atenolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking atenolol.

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.