Atenolol

Atenolol is a drug used to treat patients with cardiovascular diseases, more specifically in the treatment of high blood pressure. Learn more about this drug and how this can be beneficial to your condition.

For starters, Atenolol is among a group of drugs called beta blockers. Beta blockers however are not considered to be used as a first line treatment for high blood pressure. Medical experts and several government agencies have reduced its state as the fourth line of treatment for the said condition. Beta blockers can be used in support with other anti-hypertensive agents or when patients become allergic with other types of hypertension drugs.

Aside from high blood pressure Atenolol is also prescribed for patient suffering from angina pectoris – a medical condition characterized by a feeling of pain in the chest, insufficiency of oxygen level for use of heart muscles and clogged arteries. Other uses of Atenolol are migraine headache treatment, anxiety bouts treatment and alcohol withdrawal treatment.

Before taking this drug, the patient must have a check up with his doctor. This is important because the doctor must first need to know about any medical conditions that may impede the performance of Atenolol in the body. The doctor will have to check on conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, emphysema, depression, blood circulation disorder, Raynaud’s disease, bronchospasm, bronchitis, asthma, psoriasis, thyroid disease, muscle disease, pheochromocytoma, recent heart attack, heart disease and allergic reactions to food, dyes, food preservatives, substances, beta blockers and other drugs. The doctor will also consider pregnancy and breast feeding among female patients.

Raynaud’s disease is a disease characterized by an affected passage of blood to the ears, nose, toes and fingers under triggering conditions such as temperature rise. This condition might be worsened if Atenolol medication is given. Inform the doctor of a surgical operation that may take place in the future. Your medication may be discontinued as risks of surgery problems are increased if use of Atenolol is not stopped.

Atenolol medication is a risky treatment for diabetic patients. Beta blockers may result in increased blood sugar and aggravated side effects. For patients with overactive thyroid, severity of symptoms may also be increased.

Drugs that interact with Atenolol are also unsafe. Some drugs however may be used in combination with Atenolol but under a safe dosage. It is best to discuss this clearly with the doctor. Inform your doctor of the medicines you may be taking such as antacid, hawthorn, cocaine, calcium salt, cold medicines, diabetes medicines, high blood pressure medicines, drugs that will regulate heart rhythm, MAO or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Zelapar, Emsam, Nardil, Marplan, Parnate, Eldepryl, Azilect, diuretics, allergen immunotherapy, Aminophylline, Somophyllin, Caffeine, NoDoz, Dyphylline, Lufyllin, Theophylline, insulin, calcium channel blockers, verpamil, nimodipine, nifedipine, isradipine, flunarizine, felodipine, diltiazem, bepridil, clonidine and Guanabenz.

Tell your doctor more about the use of OTC or over the counter drugs, herbal drugs, herbal concoctions, use of alcoholic beverages, intake of caffeinated beverages, nicotine intake and use of illegal drugs.

Side effects of Atenolol are grouped as less common, rare and symptoms of Atenolol overdose. Less common Atenolol side effects are wheezing, difficulty in breathing, cold feeling in the feet or hands, swelling of the lower part of the legs, reduced heartbeat, breathing shortness and mental depression.

Rare side effects of Atenolol are confusion, yellowing of the skin or the eyes, bruises, uncommon bleeding, skin rashes, skin crusting or peeling, heart beat irregularity, hallucination, sore throat, fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, dark colored urine and pain in the joint.

When Atenolol tablets are taken more than what is prescribed the following symptoms occur: convulsion, bluing of the hand palms or finger nails, breathing difficulty, abnormal and fast heartbeat and faintness.

Remember that Atenolol can be effective if prescription is strictly followed. Be accustomed with the proper ways of taking the drug. Do not skip dosing and do not discontinue intake without consulting first your doctor.