Atenolol: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Atenolol is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. The drug has been widely used and effective in many countries around the world. In order for the drug to be effective, patients need to follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.

1. What are the uses of Atenolol?

Atenolol is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. Atenolol lowers blood pressure and helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. In addition, Atenolol is also used to treat angina and improve survival after a heart attack. Atenolol is not used in patients with low blood pressure, bradycardia, second and third degree atrioventricular block, uncontrolled heart failure. Atenolol is commonly used in 50mg strength.
Atenolol is used as follows:
Atenolol is for oral use. Atenolol can be taken with or without meals, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is according to the doctor's instructions based on the medical condition, age and response to treatment of each patient. Taking high doses of Atenolol does not increase the antihypertensive effect, on the contrary may increase the risk of serious side effects. Patients should not stop taking the drug suddenly, but should gradually reduce the dose over a period of 7 to 14 days. In addition, patients should be monitored during drug discontinuation, especially those with heart disease, ischemia. Tell your doctor if your blood pressure does not improve after taking this medicine.

2. Indications for the use of Atenolol?

Atenolol tablets are indicated in the treatment of the following pathologies:
Hypertension; Angina pain; Cardiac arrhythmias; Myocardial infarction (early intervention in the acute phase).

3. Atenolol side effects

When using Atenolol, patients may experience the following side effects:
Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue and nausea Decreased blood flow to hands and feet, cold limbs Symptoms of Atenolol heart failure such as trouble breathing, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual tiredness, unusual or sudden weight gain), very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, blue fingers or toes , mental, mood changes (such as confusion, mood swings, depression) Serious allergic reactions are rare, but the consequences are serious. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fainting. When having the above symptoms, it is necessary to take the patient to the nearest medical facility for timely intervention, avoiding the risk of affecting life. The above symptoms are not a complete list of possible side effects after using the drug. If, after using Atenolol, you experience unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

4. Be careful when using drugs

To use Atenolol safely, before taking it, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are:
Allergic to Atenolol or to other beta blockers or any other history of allergies. A history of cardiovascular problems (such as bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), problems with circulatory problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome, peripheral vascular disease), kidney disease, heart failure, serious allergic reactions, other medical conditions (such as myasthenia gravis). Depending on the patient's condition, the doctor will make appropriate adjustments.
Atenolol medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness. Therefore, the patient should be careful not to drive or operate machinery until the dizziness is completely gone. Alcohol use will make the dizziness and drowsiness caused by the drug worse. Therefore, after taking the drug, it is necessary to limit alcohol as much as possible.
Atenolol passes into breast milk and accumulates significantly, which can cause unwanted effects on a nursing infant. Infants born to mothers who are taking Atenolol during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be at risk for hypoglycemia and bradycardia. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor before breast-feeding when taking this medicine.

5. Drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way the drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal medicines, dietary supplements, etc. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking them. dolasetron, fingolimod, products with ingredients that increase heart rate or raise blood pressure, cough and cold products, diet aids or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen.
Check the labels of all medicines you are taking (especially those for allergies, coughs and colds) as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist for advice on whether it is safe to take these medicines with Atenolol.

6. Some other notes when using Atenolol medicine

6.1. Treatment of drug overdose

When using Atenolol drug overdose, the patient may experience symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing. In some cases of serious overdose or accidental ingestion by children, symptoms may include: bradycardia, marked dizziness, severe weakness, fainting, difficulty breathing. Therefore, take the patient to the nearest medical facility for timely emergency treatment.

6.2. What to do if you miss a dose of Atenolol?

If you have missed a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time as usual. Do not use a double dose of the next dose to make up for the missed dose.

6.3. How to store medicine?

Store Atenolol at room temperature, away from direct light and high humidity. Do not store medicine in the bathroom. Keep medicine out of reach of children and pets.
Atenolol is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. To ensure safety and avoid side effects, patients should carefully read the instructions before use or follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.
With many years of experience in the examination and treatment of diseases, now Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining, screening and treating diseases. treat many serious diseases. Therefore, when there are signs of abnormal health, patients can go to the examination, diagnose the disease and receive advice on how to use the drug effectively, avoiding unwanted side effects.

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Reference source: webmd.com