Atenolol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 23, 2024.

Applies to atenolol: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects .

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away .

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery .

Atenolol may cause heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort; dilated neck veins; extreme fatigue; irregular breathing; an irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs; weight gain; or wheezing .

This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid pulse rate. Check with your doctor if you have these problems or if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests .

This medicine may cause some people to become less alert than they are normally. If this side effect occurs, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert while taking atenolol .

Serious side effects of atenolol

Along with its needed effects, atenolol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atenolol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking atenolol:

Symptoms of overdose

• anxiety
• coma
• cool, pale skin
• depression
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• headache
• increased hunger
• irregular breathing
• nervousness
• nightmares
• seizures
• shakiness
• slurred speech
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects of atenolol

Some side effects of atenolol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to atenolol: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported side effects associated with this drug are hypotension, tiredness, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, hypotension, cold extremities, heart failure deterioration, heart block precipitation, postural hypotension with or without syncope
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Intermittent claudication exacerbation, Raynaud's phenomenon
• Frequency not reported: Left ventricular insufficiency
• Postmarketing reports: Sick sinus syndrome^[Ref]

Bradycardia and hypotension were reported more frequently in patients following a myocardial infarction than among those receiving the drug for treatment of hypertension. In a large study, after a myocardial infarction, patients were more likely to reduce the dosage or discontinue this drug due to bradycardia and hypotension.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Tiredness (up to 26%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Frequency not reported: Malaise, tinnitus^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vertigo, lightheadedness, lethargy, drowsiness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Headache, paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Ataxia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Depression (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dreaming
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleep disturbances,
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Mood changes, nightmares, confusion, psychoses, hallucinations
• Frequency not reported: Vivid dreams, insomnia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Wheezing, dyspnea, pulmonary emboli
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm
• Frequency not reported: Asthma, nasal congestion^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, nausea
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry mouth
• Frequency not reported: Indigestion, constipation^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Leg pain^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Transaminase level elevation
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hepatic toxicity including intrahepatic cholestasis
• Postmarketing reports: Elevated bilirubin^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal failure
• Frequency not reported: Increased blood urea, increased serum creatinine^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Purpura, alopecia, psoriasiform skin reactions, psoriasis exacerbations, skin rash^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Impotence
• Postmarketing reports: Peyronie's disease^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dry eyes, visual disturbances^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Increase in antinuclear antibodies (ANA)^[Ref]

The clinical significance of elevated ANA levels is unknown.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, urticaria^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
• How is atenolol superior to metoprolol?

Further information

Atenolol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer