Side Effects of atenolol: A Synthesis of Findings from 20 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat angina and hypertension, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensives. 10 It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH), particularly in comparison to propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker. 11 , 5 Atenolol is considered a safer alternative due to its selective action on β1-receptors, potentially reducing side effects associated with β2-receptor blockade. 17 However, atenolol, like other beta-blockers, can cause a range of side effects. 16 These can include diarrhea, nausea, agitation, sleep disturbance, and erectile dysfunction. 10 , 5 , 9 In comparison to other beta-blockers, atenolol has been shown to have a lower incidence of drowsiness. 1 It has also been shown to reduce membrane fatty acid unsaturation and oxidative stress in heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria, which may contribute to its positive effects on immune function and behavior. 4

Reasons for Side Effects

Atenolol's side effects are mainly attributed to its mechanism of action as a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. 16 This can lead to a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure. 16 However, it is worth noting that atenolol's selectivity for β1-receptors may contribute to a lower incidence of some side effects compared to non-selective beta-blockers. 17

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea

Atenolol has been linked to the occurrence of diarrhea. 5

Nausea

Nausea is another potential side effect of atenolol. 10

Agitation

Agitation can be a side effect of atenolol treatment, particularly in infants with hemangiomas. 5

Sleep Disturbance

Atenolol can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep disturbances. 5

Erectile Dysfunction

Atenolol, like other beta-blockers, may contribute to the occurrence of erectile dysfunction. 9

Side Effect Management

Diarrhea

If you experience diarrhea, consult your doctor for advice. 5

Nausea

For nausea, you should consult your doctor. 10

Agitation

If agitation is a concern, contact your doctor for guidance. 5

Sleep Disturbance

If you have sleep problems, consult your doctor. 5

Erectile Dysfunction

If you experience erectile dysfunction, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor. 9

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Multiple studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of atenolol in treating conditions like hypertension and angina. 10 , 6 Additionally, its effectiveness in the treatment of infantile hemangioma has been established. 11 , 5 Moreover, researchers agree that atenolol's selectivity for β1-receptors contributes to a lower incidence of some side effects compared to non-selective beta-blockers. 17

Differences Among Studies

There are variations in findings across different studies regarding the side effects of atenolol. 5 , 14 For instance, some studies report a higher incidence of side effects such as diarrhea, agitation, and sleep disturbances, while others have found a lower incidence of these effects. 5 Additionally, while some studies suggest a lower incidence of drowsiness compared to other beta-blockers, 1 , others have reported that atenolol can contribute to erectile dysfunction, 9 which is contradicted by other studies. 9

Considerations for Real-World Application

It's crucial to adhere to your doctor's instructions when taking atenolol. 16 Atenolol's effect on heart rate and blood pressure can cause a range of side effects. 16 Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how atenolol affects you. 1 Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your doctor before starting atenolol or any other medication. 5 , 15 , 9

Limitations of Current Research

Further research is needed to fully understand the side effect profile of atenolol. 14 It is important to remember that side effects can vary greatly from person to person. 16 Always consult with your doctor for personalized advice and guidance. 5 , 15 , 9

Future Research Directions

More research is necessary to thoroughly understand the side effect profile of atenolol. 14 Individual variability in response to medication means that personalized guidance is essential. 16 Always discuss your medication and any concerns with your doctor. 5 , 15 , 9

Conclusion

Atenolol has proven to be an effective treatment for conditions like hypertension and angina. 10 , 6 It has also demonstrated success in treating infantile hemangioma. 11 , 5 Its selective action on β1-receptors may contribute to a lower incidence of side effects compared to non-selective beta-blockers. 17 However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. 16 If you're taking atenolol, always consult with your doctor about any concerns or questions you have. 5 , 15 , 9

Literature analysis of 20 papers
Positive Content
18
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
6
0
0
2
20
1.

The effects of atenolol (tenormin) and methyldopa on simple tests of central nervous function.

Author: BaylissP F, DuncanS M

Blood pressure reduction
Drowsiness
Sedation

Atenolol, a beta-blocker, produced no effect on reaction time, critical flicker frequency, or subjective feelings in healthy volunteers, unlike methyldopa which caused significant prolongation of reaction time and drowsiness. Atenolol significantly reduced blood pressure and pulse rate.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Effect of partial agonist activity on the side effects of beta-blockade in patients with chronic stable angina.

Author: ChambersJ, OngM L, AkhrasF, AdamG, JacksonG

Angina treatment
Side effects

Epanolol, a beta 1-partial agonist, is as effective as atenolol for chronic stable angina and may improve the side effect profile in some patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Aims of combination therapy--improved quality of life or better blood pressure control?

Author: MacleanD

Increased antihypertensive efficacy
Reduced side effects
Excessive blood pressure drop
Heart failure risk

Combining nifedipine and atenolol may provide additional antihypertensive benefit but can also increase the risk of adverse effects such as excessive blood pressure drops and heart failure.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

Lifelong treatment with atenolol decreases membrane fatty acid unsaturation and oxidative stress in heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria and improves immunity and behavior, without changing mice longevity.

Author: GómezAlexia, Sánchez-RomanInes, GomezJose, CrucesJulia, MateIanire, Lopez-TorresMónica, NaudiAlba, Portero-OtinManuel, PamplonaReinald, De la FuenteMonica, BarjaGustavo

Behavioral function improvement
Immune function improvement
Mitochondrial damage reduction
Side effects

Lifelong atenolol treatment in mice decreased membrane fatty acid unsaturation in cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria, lowered visceral adiposity, improved immune function, and prevented aging-related changes. However, it did not increase longevity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Efficacy and tolerability profile of nebivolol vs atenolol in mild-to-moderate essential hypertension: results of a double-blind randomized multicentre trial.

Author: GrassiGuido, TrevanoFosca Quarti, FacchiniAnnalisa, ToutouzasTorakis, ChanuBernard, ManciaGiuseppe

Antihypertensive effect
Better tolerability
Lower side-effect incidence

Nebivolol (5 mg daily) and atenolol (100 mg daily) showed similar antihypertensive effects in a 12-week double-blind randomized study of mild-to-moderate hypertensives. Nebivolol had a better tolerability profile and a lower incidence of side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

7.

Wastewater-derived antagonistic activities of G protein-coupled receptor-acting pharmaceuticals in river water.

Author: IharaMasaru, HanamotoSeiya, IharaMariko O, ZhangHan, TanakaHiroaki

Pharmaceutical pollution

This study uses an in vitro assay to measure the biological activities of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-acting pharmaceuticals in river water and wastewater treatment plant effluents. The results indicate that GPCR-acting pharmaceuticals are present in these environments, suggesting potential risks to aquatic species.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

A comparison between atenolol and metoprolol in respect of central nervous system side effects.

Author: KirkC A, Cove-SmithR

Improvement in CNS side effects
No CNS effects with atenolol
Some CNS effects with metoprolol

Atenolol is associated with fewer central nervous system side effects than metoprolol in patients previously experiencing such effects with other beta-blockers.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

Report of erectile dysfunction after therapy with beta-blockers is related to patient knowledge of side effects and is reversed by placebo.

Author: SilvestriAntonello, GalettaPasquale, CerquetaniElena, MarazziGiuseppe, PatriziRoberto, FiniMassimo, RosanoGiuseppe M C

Treatment for erectile dysfunction

This study investigated the effect of beta-blockers on erectile dysfunction in patients with newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that patient knowledge of the side effects of beta-blockers may contribute to erectile dysfunction, even in patients who are not experiencing any other symptoms.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

11.

Oral Atenolol versus Propranolol in the Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Author: PattanshettiSwapnil Annasaheb, MahalmaniVidya M, SarmaPhulen, KaurHardeep, AliMd Mokkaram, MalikMuneer Abas, PetersNitin James, PrajapatManisha, KumarSubodh, MedhiBikash, SamujhRam

Potential alternative IH therapy
Reduced side effects

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants. Propranolol is considered first-line therapy but has side effects. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atenolol, a selective b1-blocker, as an alternative treatment for IH.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

12.

Development of safer molecules through chirality.

Author: PatilP A, KothekarM A

Chiral drugs

This review discusses the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic implications of chirality in drug development, focusing on the benefits of replacing racemates with single enantiomers. It highlights successful chiral switches, such as levosalbutamol, S-ketamine, and levocetirizine, which have led to improved safety and efficacy profiles compared to their racemic counterparts.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

The beta-1 adrenergic antagonist, atenolol, decreases acylation stimulating protein, exercise capacity and plasma free fatty acids in men with type 2 diabetes.

Author: SmithJ, FerlandA, MéthotJ, BrassardP, LacroixS, PoirierP, CianfloneK

Coronary artery disease treatment
Hypertension treatment
Insulin resistance
Negative side effects

Atenolol, a beta-1 adrenergic antagonist, may have negative side effects on insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated atenolol's effects on circulating non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and related hormones in men with T2DM during exercise.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Risk of insomnia attributable to β-blockers in elderly patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

Author: ChangChia-Hsien, YangYea-Huei Kao, LinSwu-Jane, SuJyun-Jhong, ChengChing-Lan, LinLi-Jen

Lower insomnia risk
Insomnia

Bisoprolol and atenolol were associated with the lowest risk of insomnia among β-blockers in elderly patients. β-blockers with high β(1)-receptor selectivity and/or low lipophilicity were also associated with a lower risk.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Pharmacologic management of feline hyperthyroidism.

Author: TrepanierLauren A

Hyperthyroidism treatment
Facial excoriation
Gastrointestinal upset
Hypertension
Liver enzyme elevations
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia

Radioiodine is considered the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism, but in some situations, methimazole therapy is preferred. All cats treated with methimazole should be monitored for side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

18.

"In-house" pharmacological management for computed tomography coronary angiography: heart rate reduction, timing and safety of different drugs used during patient preparation.

Author: MaffeiErica, PalumboAlessandro A, MartiniChiara, TedeschiCarlo, TarantiniGiuseppe, SeitunSara, RuffiniLivia, AldrovandiAnnachiara, WeustinkAnnick C, MeijboomWillem B, MolletNico R, KrestinGabriel P, de FeyterPim J, CademartiriFilippo

Fast preparation
HR reduction

This retrospective study evaluated the effect, timing, and safety of different pharmacological strategies during 64-slice CT coronary angiography (CT-CA) in 560 patients. Pharmacological preparation, particularly with intravenous beta-blockers, was safe and effective in reducing heart rate and preparing patients for CT-CA.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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