Brand Name: Tenormin
Generic Name: Atenolol

Atenolol

(a-TEN-oh-lole)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Alcohol withdrawal, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, migraine prevention, pheochromocytoma, prevention of recurrence and sudden death in ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular arrhythmia, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
High blood pressure, heart related chest pain (angina pectoris), after a heart attack

BRAND NAME
Tenormin

DRUG CLASS
Antianginal, antihypertensive, anti-migraine

DESCRIPTION
Atenolol stabilizes heart rate and reduces blood pressure.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, chest pain, edema (swelling due to fluid retention), dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, impotence, cold extremities.

CAUTIONS

• Not for use if you have certain lung or cardiac diseases.
• Do not stop therapy suddenly.
• Use caution if you are taking verapamil or diltiazem, as too-low heart rate may occur.
• Use cautiously if you are diabetic; this drug may mask signs of low blood sugar or thyroid problems.
• May cause fetal harm if used in pregnancy.
• Use cautiously if you have impaired kidney function or myasthenia gravis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Digoxin, verapamil, diltiazem, alpha blockers, alpha-adrenergic stimulants, reserpine, disopyramide, nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, theophylline, aluminum salts, barbiturates, calcium salts, cholestyramine, colestipol, penicillins, rifampin, salicylates, and sulfinpyrazone

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Atenolol levels may be decreased if taken with food.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Dong quai, ma huang, ephedra, yohimbe, ginseng, garlic

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category D. Excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor prior to breast-feeding during this therapy.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This drug has a warning regarding the according of abrupt withdrawal in patients with heart disease.