ADCO atenolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. Like other beta blockers, ADCO atenolol works by changing the way your body responds to some nerve impulses, including in the heart. It slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
What are ADCO atenolol tablets used for?
ADCO atenolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and improve survival after a heart attack. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body.
Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
How should this medicine be used?
ADCO atenolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take ADCO atenolol, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ADCO atenolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
ADCO atenolol controls high blood pressure and angina but does not cure them. It may take 1-2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of atenolol. Continue to take ADCO atenolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking atenolol without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
ADCO atenolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches and to treat alcohol withdrawal, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ADCO atenolol,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atenolol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in atenolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Tiazac, others) and verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan, in Tarka); clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, in Clorpres); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex); and reserpine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung diseases; diabetes; severe allergies; hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland); pheochromocytoma (a tumor that develops on a gland near the kidneys and may cause high blood pressure and fast heartbeat); heart failure; a slow heart rate; circulation problems; or heart or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ADCO atenolol, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ADCO atenolol.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using ADCO atenolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can ADCO atenolol cause?
ADCO atenolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• tiredness
• drowsiness
• depression
• nausea
• diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• weight gain
• fainting
ADCO atenolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Can you overdose on ADCO atenolol?
Yes, in case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
• lack of energy
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• slow heartbeat
• fainting
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• unusual weight gain
• shakiness
• dizziness
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating or confusion
• blurred vision
• headache
• numbness or tingling of the mouth
• weakness
• excessive tiredness
• pale color
• sudden hunger
ADCO atenolol Safety Information
You should not use ADCO atenolol if you have a serious heart condition such as “AV block,” very slow heartbeats, or heart failure.
Do not stop taking ADCO atenolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are having any type of surgery, be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medicine.
ADCO 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.
ADCO 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.
