Atenolol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2024.

Applies to atenolol: oral tablet.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

Less common

• 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

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

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

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer