Atenolol

Also indexed as: Tenormin®

Combination drugs: Co-Tendione, Tenoretic®

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
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid 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.