Atenolol 50mg Tablets
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PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
ATENOLOL 50 MG & 100 MG TABLETS
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
In this leaflet:
1. What Atenolol is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Atenolol Tablets
3. How to take Atenolol Tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Atenolol Tablets
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. WHAT ATENOLOL IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Atenolol is one of a group of drugs called beta-blockers.
It affects the heart and circulation.
Atenolol Tablets are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and some arrhythmias (disorders of heart rhythm). Atenolol Tablets can also be used in the early treatment of myocardial infarction (heart attack).
2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE ATENOLOL TABLETS
Do not take Atenolol tablets and tell your doctor if you:
• are allergic (hypersensitive) to atenolol or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in section 6)
• have slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• suffer from failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)
• have low blood pressure (hypotension)
• suffer from increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
• have conditions with severe disturbance of blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities
• have a serious defect in the heart’s electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (2nd or 3rd degree heart block)
• have a problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)
• suffer from untreated tumour of the adrenal gland (phaechromocytoma)
• suffer from uncontrolled heart failure
Take special care with Atenolol Tablets and tell your
doctor if you:
• have a severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion (Prinzmetal’s angina). Atenolol should be used in extreme caution in this instance.
• have slowed conduction of electrical messages between the chambers of the heart (1st degree heart block).
• are a diabetic. This medicine may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar such as increased heart rate. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar.
• have a condition called thyrotoxicosis, caused by an excess of thyroid hormone. Atenolol tablets may mask the symptoms of this condition.
• have heart problems.
• have or have had a history of asthma or breathing difficulties.
If you have ever had asthma or wheezing, you should not take this medicine unless you have discussed these symptoms with the prescribing doctor.
• are prone to allergic reactions, such as insect stings.
• suffer from kidney disorders.
If you go to a hospital to have an operation, tell the anaesthetist and the medical staff that you are taking atenolol. Atenolol may preclude the use of certain anaesthetics.
If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Examples of medicines that can affect Atenolol Tablets are:
• Verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine (drugs used to treat high blood pressure or angina)
• Disopyramide, a drug used to treat irregular heartbeats
• Digoxin, a drug used to treat heart failure
• Adrenaline (a heart stimulant)
• Ibuprofen and indomethacin (drugs used for pain and inflammation)
• Insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs (for diabetes)
• Anaesthetics
• Clonidine, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and migraine. If you are taking clonidine and atenolol together, you must 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 on how to do it.
If you are unsure of the types of medicines you are taking, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.
Driving and using machines:
Your medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery. However, some people may occasionally feel dizzy or tired when taking Atenolol Tablets. If this happens to you, ask your doctor for advice.
3. HOW TO TAKE ATENOLOL TABLETS
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. You should check with them if you are not sure.
This medicine is for oral use.
Adults:
• To treat hypertension (high blood pressure):
50 mg to 100 mg a day
• To treat angina (chest pains):
100 mg a day or 50 mg twice a day
• To treat arrhythmias (irregular heart beat):
50 mg to 100 mg a day
• After a heart attack:
50 mg every 12 hours on the first day, thereafter 100 mg daily.
Elderly:
• Dosage requirements may be reduced. Your doctor will decide the optimum dose of the medicine to be given.
Children:
• Atenolol Tablets are not recommended for use in children.
If you take more Atenolol Tablets than you should:
If you take too much of your medicine seek immediate medical advice from your doctor or your nearest hospital.
If you forget to take Atenolol Tablets:
If you have missed a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Then continue your normal dose times. Do not take a double dose.
If you stop taking Atenolol Tablets:
Do not stop taking Atenolol Tablets without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. Your doctor will probably decrease the dose gradually.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Atenolol Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Very serious side effects - If any of the following happens, stop taking Atenolol Tablets and tell your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department:
• Reduced numbers of platelets in your blood (this may make you bruise more easily).
• Hallucinations or psychoses (disturbances of the mind)
• Heart failure
• Slow heartbeat
• Asthma or breathing problems
Other side effects that may occur include:
• cold hands and feet
• tiredness
• headaches
• dry mouth
• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• disturbed sleep
• thinning of the hair
• mood changes
• confusion
• tingling hands
• dry eyes
• vision disturbances
• skin rashes
• dizziness (particularly when you stand up)
• Numbness and spasms in the fingers (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
• Dizziness or fainting associated with heart block
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, they may get worse when you start taking Atenolol Tablets:
• Psoriasis
• Poor circulation appearing in the form of occasional leg cramps on walking
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme (Tel: Freephone 0808 100 3352 or Website: www.mhra.aov.uk/vellowcardL By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE ATENOLOL TABLETS
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store this medicine above 25° C.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister as [EXP MM/YYYY], The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION
What Atenolol Tablets contain:
The active substance (the ingredient that makes the tablets work) is atenolol. Each tablet contains either 50 mg or 100 mg of the active ingredient.
The tablets also contain maize starch, heavy magnesium carbonate, gelatin, magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulphate.
What Atenolol Tablets look like and contents of the pack:
Atenolol 50 mg tablets: White round biconvex tablets with "RX" on one side and "50" on other side.
Atenolol 100 mg tablets: White round biconvex tablets with "RX" on one side and "100" on other side.
Atenolol 50 mg and 100 mg tablets are available in boxes of 28 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Special Concept Development (UK) Limited,
Unit 1 -7 Colonial Way,
Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4YR, UK
Manufacturer:
RX Farma Limited
Unit 3, Colonial Way, Watford,
Hertfordshire, WD24 4YR, United Kingdom
This leaflet was last revised in April 2015.
For information in large print, on tape, on CD or in Braille, please contact medical information at Special Concept Development (UK) Limited, Unit 1-7 Colonial Way,
Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 4YR.