Tenormin 50mg Tablets

Atenolol is a beta blocker. It slows the heart rate and makes the heart beat less forcefully, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload.

It is used to treat:

• high blood pressure
• angina (chest pain caused by heart disease)
• some heart rhythm problems

It is also used to help the heart after a heart attack and, occasionally, to help prevent migraines.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at the same time.

• Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water. Measure liquid with the syringe or spoon provided.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly. Your condition could get worse. If it needs to be stopped, your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take atenolol before any surgery or anaesthetic.

Common side effects include:

• tiredness or weakness
• cold, numb or tingling hands and feet
• feeling sick, being sick or diarrhoea
• a slow heartbeat

These often get better over time.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• shortness of breath or wheezing
• swollen ankles or legs, or sudden weight gain
• fainting, or a fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat
• yellow skin or eyes
• seeing or hearing things that are not there
• swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have asthma or other breathing problems
• have diabetes, as atenolol can hide signs of low blood sugar
• have an overactive thyroid or kidney disease
• have poorly controlled heart failure, very low blood pressure or poor circulation
• have serious allergies or carry an adrenaline auto-injector
• take other heart or blood pressure medicines, diabetes medicines, decongestants or ibuprofen-type painkillers

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Do not stop suddenly: stopping without advice can make angina or blood pressure worse.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it can be used in pregnancy, but you and your baby may need extra checks. If you are breastfeeding, your doctor may suggest a different medicine.

Alcohol and driving: limit alcohol, as it can make your blood pressure drop too low. If you feel tired or dizzy, do not drive or use machines.