You should not use this Tenormin if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block," very slow heartbeats, or heart failure.
Do not stop taking Tenormin without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using Tenormin. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medicine.
Tenormin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Tenormin.
Tenormin is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Tenormin if you are allergic to atenolol, or if you have:
a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree);
very slow heartbeats; or
heart failure.
To make sure Tenormin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
congestive heart failure;
coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes;
overactive thyroid;
liver or kidney disease;
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome; or
allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing).
Using Tenormin during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
Atenolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Tenormin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Tenormin?
Take Tenormin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Tenormin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full effect of Tenormin. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
You should not stop taking Tenormin suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure: Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your condition may need to be treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
