HomeHealth articlesatenololWhat Is Atenolol Used For?

Atenolol - Protecting the Heart

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

Atenolol lowers high blood pressure. Please read below to learn more about its uses, side effects, dosage, precautions, and interactions.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sapkal Ganeshrao Patilba

Published At December 2, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 3, 2024

What Is Atenolol Used?

Atenolol is a second-generation beta-1-selective adrenergic antagonist used to treat hypertension. The drug is used to treat angina and lower the risk of death after a heart attack. The beta-blocker reduces the workload on the heart and helps to reduce strain on the heart. Atenolol is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treatment in acute myocardial infarction. It may also be used for the treatment of arrhythmias, migraine prevention, alcohol withdrawal, and prophylaxis against secondary myocardial infarction.

How Does Atenolol Work?

Atenolol affects the response to the nerve impulses such as epinephrine in certain body parts, like the heart and blood vessels. This resulted in lower heartbeats and decreased blood pressure. The beta-blockers effects manifest within one hour of single oral administration, while with an intravenous dose, the effects are evident within five minutes.

Atenolol reaches the peak concentration within two hours of an oral dose. The kidneys predominantly eliminate the hydrophilic beta-receptor, with only 5 percent metabolized by the liver.

What Is the Dosage of Atenolol?

dosage-of-atenolol

How to Take Atenolol?

Atenolol is available in strengths of 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams, and 100 milligrams. The dosage, drug form, and how often the drug may be taken depends on various factors such as

  • Age.

  • The condition that is being treated.

  • The severity of the condition.

  • Other medical conditions.

  • Response to the first dose.

The doctor recommends taking the first dose of Atenolol before bedtime, as it can make the person feel dizzy. There should be an eight to ten hours interval between the doses when taking the medication twice daily. Atenolol may be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time of the day. Atenolol should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. A plastic syringe is provided to measure the liquid form of Atenolol. It is advised that one should not stop taking Atenolol suddenly, as it may worsen the condition.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Atenolol?

Some commonly observed side effects of Atenolol may include

  • New or worsening chest pain.

  • Slow, uneven heartbeats.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Cold hands and feet.

  • Lightheadedness.

  • Dizziness.

  • Tiredness.

  • Leg pain.

  • Drowsiness.

  • Depression.

  • Nausea, vomiting.

  • Wheezing.

  • Stomach pain.

What Precautions to Be Taken When Taking Atenolol?

  • Hypersensitivity - Atenolol should be cautiously administered in patients with a history of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - Atenolol should be given to pregnant women with caution as it may affect fetus growth. Atenolol passes into the breast milk and may cause drowsiness in the baby.

  • Congestive Heart Failure - Atenolol reduces myocardial contractility and may worsen or precipitate heart failure, especially during volume overload. Therapy with beta-blockers can be administered cautiously in some congestive heart failure patients who are receiving Digitalis, diuretics, an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, or nitrates.

  • Mind Alertness - Atenolol impairs thinking or reactions and should not be taken while driving or handling machinery.

  • Alcohol - Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Atenolol, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.

  • Diabetes - Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes or predisposed to spontaneous hypoglycemia as they affect insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delay the recovery of normal blood sugar levels.

  • Children - Beta-blockers should be cautiously administered in small children as they may cause shallow heart rate, lethargy, and coma.

  • Asthma - Atenolol is contraindicated in bronchospastic disease as it may worsen the existing conditions.

  • Elderly - Beta-blockers should be avoided in older adults because of physiologic changes associated with people over 60 years of age, such as low cardiac output, low glomerular filtration rate, bradycardia, and reduced renal blood flow.

What Are the Interactions of Atenolol with Other Medicines and Supplements?

Drug Interaction:

Some medicines may affect the effectiveness of Atenolol. These medications may include

  • Other medicines for high blood pressure like Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Sotalol, and Bisoprolol.

  • Amiodarone.

  • Flecainide.

  • Digoxin.

  • Diltiazem.

  • Nifedipine.

  • Verapamil.

  • Reserpine.

  • Amlodipine.

  • Clonidine.

  • Isocarboxazid.

  • Indomethacin.

Interaction with Food:

  • Multivitamins with Minerals - Using Atenolol with multivitamins and minerals may decrease the effects of Atenolol. Care should be taken to separate the administration of these drugs by at least two hours.

  • Orange Juice - Taking large amounts of orange juice can decrease the effectiveness of Atenolol.

  • Alcohol - Alcohol aggravates the effects of Atenolol in lowering blood pressure and may cause headaches, increased heart rate, dizziness, and fainting.

Interaction with Disease:

  • Hemodialysis - Patients on hemodialysis should receive a dose of Atenolol following each dialysis as it is moderately removed by conventional hemodialysis.

  • Renal Dysfunction - The kidneys eliminate Atenolol. There is significant drug accumulation in patients because of low clearance levels in patients with renal dysfunction.

  • Bradyarrhythmias - Atenolol is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block.

  • Cardiogenic Shock - Atenolol is contraindicated in patients with hypotension as the beta-blockers may further depress the cardiac output and blood pressure.

  • Congestive Heart Failure - Beta-adrenergic receptors should not be given to patients with congestive heart failure as it can worsen heart failure.

  • Diabetes - Atenolol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as tremors, tachycardia, and blood pressure changes in patients with diabetes.

  • Ischemic Heart Disease - Cessation of beta-blocker therapy should be done gradually with reduced dosages over some time as there may be an exacerbation of angina, myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrhythmias.

  • Glaucoma - Systemic beta-blockers may lower intraocular pressure. Patients with glaucoma may require adjustments in their dosage or discontinue the therapy.

  • Hyperthyroidism - Abrupt withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blockers can exacerbate thyrotoxicosis or precipitate a thyroid storm. Close monitoring is recommended during and after therapy withdrawal.

  • Myasthenia Gravis - Beta-blockers may potentiate muscle weakness and symptoms such as diplopia, ptosis, and generalized weakness.

Conclusion:

Atenolol lowers blood pressure, so it is essential to check the blood pressure periodically. It is advised not to stop taking Atenolol suddenly as it may increase the risk of a heart attack. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat meat, and dairy products, and avoiding packaged or processed foods provide added benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Do Beta-Blockers Save the Heart?

Beta-blockers minimize the risk of future heart attacks in those with a previous history of a heart attack. It reduces the heart's workload by making it beat slowly with less force, lowering blood pressure. Certain beta-blockers can help protect a weakened heart and make it stronger. Beta-blockers are available only on the prescription provided by a qualified healthcare professional.

2.

Is Atenolol Effective Against Heart Failure?

Atenolol is useful in preventing chest pain and minimizes the intensity and severity of heart attacks. Atenolol belongs to the category of beta-blockers and acts by blocking the release of the hormones adrenaline and nor-adrenaline, respectively. This slows down the heart rate and eases blood pumping around the body. Beta-blockers are efficient in widening veins and arteries, which enhances blood flow.

3.

Can Atenolol Make the Heart Beat Very Slowly?

Only the dose prescribed by a physician should be taken. Consuming atenolol more than the prescribed rate can slow the heart rate, and one might have difficulty breathing. It can also make an individual dizzy. Combining atenolol with other heart drugs like digitalis, amiodarone, or disopyramide can drastically slow the heart's activity. Hence, all the drugs consumed should be mentioned to the physician.

4.

Does Atenolol Minimize Stress?

Atenolol helps a person to feel calm and relaxed. Atenolol reduces the effect of adrenaline on the heart, which helps to relax the heart and reduces anxiety. Atenolol and a few other beta-blockers are regarded as non-addictive medications for anxiety. A study shows that atenolol can be well-tolerated and is effective among individuals with anxiety disorders.

5.

Do Beta Blockers Help Increase the Chances of Survival?

Beta-blockers have been found to increase survival by preventing arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), controlling the ventricular rate, and improving the symptoms of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction, particularly in patients with chronic heart failure. They minimize the risk of future heart attacks in those with a previous history of heart attack and reduce the heart's workload by making the heart beat slowly with less force, thereby lowering the blood pressure.

6.

Can Beta Blockers Damage the Heart?

Beta-blockers help slow down the heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Few long-term consequences of beta blockers can affect the central nervous system. The signs include depression, fatigue, visual hallucinations, sleep disorders and nightmares, Parkinson’s disease, delirium, and the risk of falling. Consuming more than the prescribed dose can cause the heart to slow down very much and affect breathing. When taken in the prescribed dose, it makes the heart stronger.

7.

Can Beta-Blockers Correct Heart Failure?

Treatment with beta-blockers is beneficial for patients with heart failure as these act by blocking the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This reduces the heart rate, minimizes the load on the heart, and reduces blood pressure. Beta-blocker therapy should be initiated in patients with stable ‘compensated’ conditions. It is recommended to avoid starting beta-blocker therapy during or soon after hospitalization for decompensated heart failure.

8.

What Is the Dosage of Atenolol per Day?

The general dosage for adults is 25-50 mg. once a day for those with high blood pressure, 100 mg. per day for those with chest pain (angina), or the dosage can be divided into two 50 mg. doses. Those with irregular heartbeats can consume 50-100 mg. per day. These are general doses; one must consult a physician and get the recommended dosage before consuming atenolol. 

9.

How Long Can One Take Beta-Blockers?

Beta-blockers can be taken for long durations. Few adults over 65 can use beta blockers for a long duration or continue life-long. However, one should not stop consuming beta blockers suddenly without the doctor’s consultation since the body gets adapted to beta-blockers in the long run, and stopping it abruptly can cause palpitations, an increase in blood pressure, or a recurrence of chest pain.

10.

What Will Be the Range of Heart Rate After Taking Atenolol?

Atenolol has been found to decrease the resting heart rate by 11% and systolic and diastolic blood pressure by around 15 and 16%. A healthcare provider will provide a dosage of atenolol such that the resting heart rate is between 55-60 beats per minute. A slow heart rate results in decreased blood pressure. 

11.

What Is the Effect of Atenolol on BP?

A study showed that the effect of atenolol in a mean 24-hour period decreased the heart rate from 77±7 to 60±6 beats per minute. The peak concentrations are attained within 2-4 hours following an oral dose of atenolol. The effects of lowered heart rate and blood pressure remain in force for at least 24 hours after a single dose. Atenolol is more effective in reducing systolic blood pressure during exercise when compared with enalapril.

12.

Can I Take Atenolol Rarely?

Atenolol is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. So, taking atenolol regularly as directed by the physician to keep the blood pressure in control is recommended. One should not stop consuming beta blockers like atenolol suddenly without the doctor’s consultation since the body gets adapted to beta-blockers in the long run, and stopping it abruptly can cause palpitations, an increase in blood pressure, or a recurrence of chest pain.

13.

What Are the Available Strengths of Atenolol?

Atenolol is available as both an intravenous infusion and an immediate-release tablet. The available strengths of atenolol are 25 mg., 50mg., 100mg. tablets and is available as a 5mg/10 mL intravenous infusion. The general dosage for adults is 25-50 mg. once a day for those with high blood pressure, 100 mg. per day for those with chest pain (angina), or the dosage can be divided into two 50 mg. doses. Those with irregular heartbeats can consume 50-100 mg. per day. 

14.

Does Atenolol Enhance Sleep?

A study showed that atenolol had no beneficial effect on sleep. Sleep disorders are the common side effects following the consumption of beta blockers. They can help control anxiety but do not improve sleep. Taking beta blockers can affect melatonin production, which can cause sleep disorders. It can also make one feel dizzy.

15.

Can a Normal Person Take Beta Blockers?

Beta-blockers are generally safe to consume. Beta-blockers are available only on the prescription provided by a qualified healthcare professional. In a normal person who takes beta blockers, there can be chances of low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, or behavior changes. If taken inappropriately, they can cause harm and weaken the heart by causing an abnormally decreased heart rate and lowered blood pressure.
Dr. Sapkal Ganeshrao Patilba
Dr. Sapkal Ganeshrao Patilba

Cardiology

Tags:

atenolol
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

atenolol

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy