Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Atenolol (Ivax Pharmaceuticals)
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Atenolol Tablets is used to:
- lower blood pressure
- reduce chest pain (angina) due to heart disease.
What it does:
Atenolol is in class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulatory system (arteries and veins).
When it should not be used:
Atenolol Tablets should not be used in the presence of: • Severely slow heartbeat
- heart block
- alternating slow and fast heartbeat
- uncontrolled heart failure
- shock resulting from heart failure
- low blood pressure
- inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system • coronary artery disease
- loss of sensation with agents that cause heart failure • tumor that associated with sustained high blood pressure • excess acid due to abnormal metabolism
- known to be excessively sensitive to the product.
Do not use Atenolol Tablets if you are allergic to atenolol or any other ingredient in this medication.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Atenolol
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are: The nonmedicinal ingredients in Atenolol Tablets are magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and povidone.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Tablet 50 mg and 100 mg.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
Abrupt Discontinuation of Therapy with Atenolol Do not stop taking atenolol without consulting your doctor (i.e., if you have angina).
Use cation when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Atenolol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
BEFORE you use Atenolol Tablets, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you are taking any other medication, including over-the-counter medications;
- you have asthma;
you have heart problems such as low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, a pacemaker, heart failure, or any other heart problems; • you have diseases such as diabetes, depression, thyroid disease, kidney disease, liver disease, bronchospastic disease (i.e., asthma) or any type of circulatory disease; • you are pregnant, are trying, or planning on becoming pregnant;
- you have upcoming surgery;
- you are allergic to this drug or its ingredients, or components of the container.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Drugs that may interact with Atenolol Tablets include: • Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., nifedipine)
- Clonidine (heart medication)
- Digitalis Glycosides
Drugs that produce a loss of sensation (anaesthetic). • Drugs that counteract or prevent the rhythm of the heartbeat
(antiarrythmic).
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs)(e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Reserpine or Guanethidine (high blood pressure medication).
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
Your doctor will prescribe the dose of Atenolol Tablets appropriate for you. Take Atenolol Tablets exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take Atenolol Tablets at the same time everyday whenever possible.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Atenolol Tablets can be taken with or without water
Do not stop taking Atenolol Tablets abruptly unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Stopping Atenolol Tablets abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
Overdose:
If you or someone else may have taken an overdose of atenolol, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include drowsiness, breathing disorders, sinus pause, slow heartbeat and wheezing.
Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. DO NOT take a double dose of this medication.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
The most common non-serious side effects are:
-diarrhea
-dizziness
-fatigue
-nausea
-relatively slow heartbeat
-vertigo
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor of pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | ||
Only if severe | In all cases | |||
| Uncommon |
-A-V block -Bronchospasm | T T T | ||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Atenolol Tablets, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Atenolol Tablets should be stored at 15° - 30°C.
Protect from light and moisture.
Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
To monitor drug safety, Health Canada collects information on serious and unexpected effects of drugs . If you suspect you have had a serious or unexpected reaction to this drug you may notify Health Canada by:
toll-free telephone: 866-234-2345 toll-free fax 866-678-6789
By email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
By regular mail:
National AR Centre
Marketed Health Products Safety and Effectiveness Information Division
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Tunney’s Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
NOTE: Before contacting Health Canada, you should contact your physician or pharmacist.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found by contacting the sponsor, Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc., at: 1-866-254-6111.
IVAX Pharmaceuticals Inc.
140 Legrand Avenue
Northvale, New Jersey 07647