Shop products for Atenolol 
Also indexed as: Antipressan®, Apo-Atenolol®, Atenix®, Gen-Atenolol®, Novo-Atenol®, Nu-Atenolol®, PMS-Atenolol®, Rho-Atenolol®, Scheinpharm Atenolol®, Tenolin®, Tenormin®, Totamol®
Combination drugs: AtenixCo®, Beta-Adalat®, Co-Tendione, Kalten®, Tenben®, Tenchlor®, Tenif®, Tenoret 50®, Tenoretic®, Totaretic®
Atenolol is a beta-blocker drug used to treat some heart conditions, reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris (chest pain), lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, and treat people after heart attacks.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous
results. |
High-potassium foods* Pleurisy root* Potassium supplements* Tobacco |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Potassium
Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called “nonselective” beta blockers) decrease the
uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,1 leading to excess potassium in
the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia.2 People taking
beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities
of fruit (e.g.,
bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.
Interactions with Herbs
Pleurisy root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius species contain cardiac
glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as
atenolol.3
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Atenolol may be taken with or without food.4
Alcohol
Atenolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision.5
Alcohol may intensify these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. To prevent
problems, people taking atenolol should avoid alcohol.
Tobacco
In a double-blind study of ten cigarette smokers with angina treated with atenolol for one
week, angina episodes were significantly reduced during the nonsmoking phase compared to the
smoking phase.6 People with angina taking atenolol who do not smoke should avoid
starting. Those who smoke should consult with their prescribing doctor about quitting.
References
1. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431–4.
2. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121–6 [review].
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1993, 158L.
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1993, 158L.
6. Deanfield J, Wright C, Krikler S, et al. Cigarette smoking and the treatment of angina with propranolol, atenolol, and nifedipine. N Engl J Med 1984;310:951–4.
