Skip to main content

Atenolol (Intravenous)

Generic name: atenolol [ a-TEN-oh-lol ]
Brand name: Tenormin
Drug class: Cardioselective beta blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2023.

Intravenous route(Solution)

Following abrupt cessation of certain beta-blocking agents, exacerbations of angina pectoris and, in some cases, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have occurred. As with other beta blockers, when discontinuation of atenolol is planned, the patients should be carefully observed and advised to minimize physical activity. If the angina worsens or acute coronary insufficiency develops, promptly reinstitute atenolol, at least temporarily. Warn patients against interruption or discontinuation of therapy without advice of physician .

Uses for atenolol

Atenolol injection is used to reduce the risk of death from an acute heart attack. It is given to people who have already had a heart attack .

This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Before using atenolol

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of atenolol injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of atenolol injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart disease, which may require caution and an adjustment of dosage in patients receiving atenolol injection .

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of atenolol

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins .

Detailed Atenolol dosage information

Precautions while using atenolol

Your doctor will only give you a few doses of this medicine, and then you will be switched to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor .

Side Effects of atenolol

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.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Rare

Incidence not determined

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not determined

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

Atenolol side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Pharmacologic Class: Beta-Adrenergic Blocker, Cardioselective

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer