Atenolol (Brand name Tenormin) is an antihypertensive prescription drug that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina pectoris), and to improve survival and recovery rates after a heart attack. Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. When left untreated, this condition can cause heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, blood vessel damage, increased risk of a stroke or heart attack, and more.

Atenolol is in a class of drugs known as beta-blockers. It is generally taken in tablet form. If you are experiencing a heart attack, your doctors may administer atenolol through an injection. Once inside the body, atenolol relaxes the blood vessels and slows the heart rate. When taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, atenolol can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

The FDA has approved atenolol to treat hypertension and angina. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk of cardiovascular problems, especially a heart attack or a stroke. It should be noted that, while atenolol is effective at controlling high blood pressure and angina, it does not cure these conditions.

It is also sometimes used to prevent migraines and to treat heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and alcohol withdrawal. Ask your doctor before using atenolol to treat any of these conditions.

It is important to remember that your doctor prescribed atenolol because its major benefit - reduced blood pressure - outweighs its potential adverse effects.

There are, however, some common side effects that patients taking atenolol have experienced. These may include dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, drowsiness, depression, nausea, and diarrhea. While uncommon, serious side effects can also occur. These include shortness of breath, weight gain, fainting, and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. Some people may also experience allergic reactions. If you experience any of these, speak to your healthcare provider immediately.

Drug interactions have been known to occur with calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem and verapamil, clonidine (a common medication for ADHD), and NSAIDs such as indomethacin. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

Make sure you tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had asthma or other lung diseases; sinus bradycardia; a heart block greater than first degree; diabetes or hypoglycemia; severe allergies; hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland); pheochromocytoma (a tumor on a gland near the kidneys that may cause high blood pressure and fast heartbeat); heart failure; a slow heart rate; circulation problems; heart or kidney disease; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.

This is not a complete list of atenolol side effects. To learn more about adverse reactions you may experience while taking atenolol, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

Atenolol is generally taken orally. Depending on your needs, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg taken by mouth once or twice a day. If you are experiencing a heart attack, your doctor may administer atenolol intravenously through an injection in your arm.

Under no circumstances should you stop taking atenolol without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping atenolol is dangerous and may cause chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, ventricular arrhythmia. If your doctor feels that atenolol is no longer right for you, they will gradually reduce your dosage. If you miss a dose, don't worry. Just take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one that you missed.

Atenolol is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not atenolol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.