How should I take atenolol?
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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 8 hours
away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored
fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking 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.
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