Atenolol
Atenolol is a beta blocker used for selected cases of Hypertension, angina or abnormal heart rhythm. It slows heart rate and reduces cardiac workload.
Key points
- Atenolol can cause a slow pulse, low blood pressure, tiredness or dizziness.
- Do not stop it suddenly because angina, blood pressure or rhythm problems can worsen.
- Fainting, severe breathlessness, chest pain or a very slow heartbeat needs urgent care.
Listings are for comparison and general information; suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks and prescription requirements.
Important safety checks
Heart rhythm, heart failure, asthma or other breathing disease, kidney function, diabetes and other rate-slowing medicines require review. Beta blockers can mask some warning signs of low glucose.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency help for fainting, severe wheezing, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, confusion or a very slow or irregular heartbeat.
Further reading
Related articles
Compare beta blockers by receptor selectivity, indication, formulation and monitoring rather than assuming equal milligrams or a class-wide effect.
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