Atenolol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

Applies to atenolol: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Following abrupt cessation of certain beta-blocking agents, exacerbations of angina pectoris and, in some cases, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have occurred.

As with other beta blockers, when discontinuation of atenolol is planned, the patients should be carefully observed and advised to minimize physical activity.

If the angina worsens or acute coronary insufficiency develops, promptly reinstitute atenolol, at least temporarily.

Warn patients against interruption or discontinuation of therapy without advice of physician

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:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• cold hands or feet
• confusion
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• tightness in chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing

Less common side effects

• anxiety
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cold sweats
• cough
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• leg pain
• noisy breathing
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing

Rare side effects

• bloody urine
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• increased blood pressure
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• swelling of face, fingers, or lower legs
• vomiting
• weight gain

Incidence not determined

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in urine or stools
• blurred or loss of vision
• bone or joint pain
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
• feeling that others can hear your thoughts
• feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
• fever
• halos around lights
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• paleness or cold feeling in fingertips and toes
• pinpoint red or purple spots on skin
• severe mood or mental changes
• skin irritation or rash, including rash that looks like psoriasis
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• sore throat
• swollen or painful glands
• tingling or pain in fingers or toes when exposed to cold
• tunnel vision
• unusual behavior
• unusual bleeding or bruising

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:

More common side effects

• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

• diarrhea
• dream activity
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• sensation of spinning
• sleepiness

Incidence not determined

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• dry mouth
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• loss of hair, temporary
• pain of penis on erection

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]

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