Atenolol Tablets

Warnings

Talk to your doctor before taking Atenolol tablets if: • You have asthma, wheezing or any other similar breathing problems, or you get allergic reactions, for example to insect stings. If you have ever had asthma or wheezing, do not take this medicine without first checking with your doctor. • you have a type of chest pain (angina) called Prinzmetal's angina. • You have poor blood circulation or controlled heart failure. • You have first-degree heart block. • You have diabetes. Your medicine may change how you respond to having low blood sugar. You may feel your heart beating faster. • You have thyrotoxicosis (a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland). Your medicine may hide the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. • You have problems with your kidneys. You may need to have some check-ups during your treatment. If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Atenolol tablets. Other medicines and Atenolol Tablets Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines that you buy without a prescription and herbal medicines. This is because Atenolol Tablets can affect the way some other medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Atenolol Tablets. You must consult your doctor if you are planning to combine Atenolol tablets with the medicines listed below: • Clonidine (for high blood pressure or migraine). If you are taking clonidine and Atenolol tablets together, do not stop taking clonidine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you have to stop taking clonidine, your doctor will give you careful instructions about how to do it. • Verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine (for high blood pressure or chest pain). • Disopyramide, quinidine or amiodarone (for an uneven heart beat). • Digoxin (for heart problems). • Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine (a medicine that stimulates the heart). • Ibuprofen or indometacin (for pain and inflammation). • Insulin or medicines that you take by mouth for diabetes. • Medicines to treat nose or sinus congestion or other cold remedies (including those you can buy in the pharmacy). Operations If you go into hospital to have an operation, tell the anaesthetist or medical staff that you are taking Atenolol Tablets. This is because you can get low blood pressure (hypotension) if you are given certain anaesthetics while you are taking Atenolol Tablets. If you are in any doubt, always consult your doctor or pharmacist. Taking Atenolol tablets with food & drink Alcohol may cause your blood pressure to drop too low. You should avoid or limit how much alcohol you drink whilst taking this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor if you have any concerns. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are planning to have a baby, or are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines • Your medicine is not likely to affect you being able to drive or use any tools or machines. However, it is best to wait to see how your medicine affects you before trying these activities. • If you feel dizzy or tired when taking this medicine, do not drive or use any tools or machines. See patient information leaflet for full details.