Atenolol (a-TEN-oh-lol)

Reduces the risk of death from a heart attack. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using reserpine, blood pressure medicines (such as clonidine, Catapres®, diltiazem, verapamil, Adalat®, Calan®, Cardizem®, Lotrel®), or any pain or arthritis medicines, also called "NSAIDs" (such as flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, Advil®, Ansaid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Naprosyn®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, kidney disease, or an overactive thyroid. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fever or sore throat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Shallow breathing.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
• Slow or fast heartbeat.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the white of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Depression, confusion, or problems with sex.
• Dry mouth, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Headache or vision problems.
• Mild skin rash or hair loss.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088