Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Atenol (Atenolol).
Breathing conditions: In general, people who have Asthma and certain other breathing problems or chronic lung disease should avoid taking a beta-blocker such as Apo Atenol (Atenolol), as it can cause breathing difficulty. Low doses of Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may be taken with caution by people with asthma who do not respond to or cannot tolerate alternative treatment. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Atenol (Atenolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: The use of Apo Atenol (Atenolol) is unlikely to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, it should be taken into account that dizziness, fatigue, or a slower reaction time may occur.
History of heart failure: Beta-blockers, such as Apo Atenol (Atenolol), can worsen existing heart failure. It is important to take Apo Atenol (Atenolol) exactly as prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chance of this happening. If you have a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Atenol (Atenolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hyperthyroidism: If you have hyperthyroidism (high levels of Thyroid hormones) you should use caution while taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol), as it may reduce the symptoms of this condition, giving a false impression of improvement. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.
Kidney Disease: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing Apo Atenol (Atenolol) from your body. Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause Apo Atenol (Atenolol) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Atenol (Atenolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood sugar: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol). If you have Diabetes and take insulin or other medications that affect insulin levels in the blood, discuss with your doctor how Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Atenol (Atenolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol) and may need to adjust the doses of diabetes medications.
Prinzmetal's angina: Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may increase the number and duration of angina attacks in patients with Prinzmetal's angina. If you have this condition, be cautious while taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol). Report unusual chest pain to your doctor as soon as possible.
Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe), you should talk to your doctor about what to do if you have an allergic reaction. Apo Atenol (Atenolol) may make it more difficult to treat your allergic reaction with Epinephrine.
Slow heart rate: In general, people with an abnormally slow pulse should not take a beta-blocker such as Apo Atenol (Atenolol).
Stopping usage: Apo Atenol (Atenolol) should not be stopped suddenly. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina and of Heart Attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring in people with angina pectoris who have done this. If Apo Atenol (Atenolol) needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually under supervision of your doctor.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol).
Pregnancy: Studies have shown that Apo Atenol (Atenolol) does cross the placenta and there have been reports of harm to the developing baby if Apo Atenol (Atenolol) is taken by the mother during pregnancy. Apo Atenol (Atenolol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Apo Atenol (Atenolol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Atenol (Atenolol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Atenol (Atenolol) have not been established for children.
