PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FORTHE USER ATENOLOL TABLETS 25mg Active substance: Atenolol

Read all of this leaflet carefully beforeyou start taking this medicine. Even ifyou havejust had a repeat prescription, some ofthe information in your previous leaflet may have changed.

•    Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again

•    If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist

•    This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to other. It may harm them, even if the symptoms are the same as yours.

•    If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

In this leaflet

1.    What Atenolol Tablets areand what are they used for

2.    Beforeyoutake Atenolol Tablets

3.    Howtotake Atenolol Tablets

4.    Possible side effects

5.    Howtostore Atenolol Tablets

6.    Further Information

| 1. What Atenolol Tablets are and what are they used for |

The active ingredient, Atenolol, belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-blockers.

Atenolol Tablets are prescribed to you for one or more of the following reasons:

•    to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension)

•    to relieve chest pain (angina pectoris) which is caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart.

•    to maintain a regular heart beat and to protect the heart from further damage after a heart

attack (myocardial infarction).__

I 2. Beforeyou take Atenolol Tablets!

DO NOT take Atenolol Tablets beforetelllngyourdoctor Ifyou:

•    are, or might be pregnant or are breast feeding

•    have previously experienced sensitivity to Atenolol or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (these are listed in Section 6, Further Information)

•    have low blood pressure or slow heart rate or heart block

•    sufferfromasthma

•    sufferfrom kidney problems

•    have an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis)

•    Suffer from heart failure which is poorly controlled Take special care with this medicine Ifyou:

-    haveafamilyhistoryofasthma

-    suffer from congestive heart failure which is controlled Taking with other medicines

It is very important that you tell your doctor if you are taking or have taken any of the following medicines, as they may interact with your Atenolol Tablets:

•    verapamil, adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline(norepinephrine), isoprenaline, lignocaine, procainamide and clonidine used for the treatment of heart conditions

•    water tablets (diuretics) and medicines used for thyroid disease for example thyroxine.

•    medicines for coughs, colds, hayfever or sinus problems may increase your blood pressure if they are taken whilst you are receiving Atenolol treatment.

It Is very Important to tell your doctor If you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines Including medicines obtained you may obtain without prescription.

If you have to go to the dentist, hospital or are seen by a different doctor for any reason tell them you are taking atenolol tablets. This is very important ifyou are likely to have an anaesthetic or an operation.

Tell your pharmacist that you are taking atenolol tablets before buying any other medicines. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It is not recommended to give Atenolol tablets during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor.

Ask your doctor of pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine Driving and using machines

You should not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, light Headedness or blurred vision whilst taking Atenolol.

Important Information about some ofthe Ingredients of Atenolol Tablets

These tablets contain lactose If you have been told by vour doctor that you have intolerance to Some sugars, contactvour doctor before taking this medicinal product.

[ 3.Howtotake AtenololTablets 1

Always take Atenolol tablets exactly as your doctor has told you, if you do not understand these Instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Swallowthe tablet with a drink ofwater. Do nottake your medicine more often than directed. Adults

•    High Blood Pressure

The usual dose is two to four tablets, once a day.

•    Angina

The usual dose is 100mg once a day or 50mg twice a day. For example, four tablets once a day, or two tablets twice a day.

Irregular Heart Beats

The usual dose is 50mg to 100mg once a day. For example, two to four tablets, once a day.

•    After a Heart Attack

Initial treatment normally consists of an intravenous injection. 15 minutes after the injection you will normally be given 50mg (two 25mg tablets). 12 hours after the Injection, you will normally be given 50mg (two 25mg tablets). After a further 12 hours you will be given 100mg (four 25mg tablets). You will need to take 100mg (four 25mg tablets) a dayfor up to 10 days.

Elderly

The above dosages may be reduced especially in patients with impaired renal function.

Children

These tablets are not recommended for children.

Your doctor may prescribe a different dose depending on your condition. Your dose may be reduced if you have kidney damage.

Ifyou take more Atenolol tablets than you should

If you accidentally take too many tablets contact your doctor or local casualty department as soon as Possible.

If you forget to take Atenolol tablets

If you forget to take your medicine take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within six hours, do not take the missed dose, but take the next dose at the usual time

Ifyou stop taking Atenolol tablets

Do not stop taking your medicine without discussing it with your doctor, as sudden withdrawal may cause unwanted effects.

I 4. Possible Side Effects I

Like all medicines Atenolol tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. You may suffer from coldness of the hands and feet, tiredness, slow heart beat (bradycardia), sleep disturbances have been reported but these are rare. There have been a few reports of skin rashes and/or dry eyes associated with taking Atenolol.

If any ofthese effects become worse or upsetting, oryou experience any other unexpected effectswhich you thinkcould be due to taking Atenolol tablets, consultyourdoctoror pharmacist for advice.

|~5l How to store Atenolol tablets |

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Your medicines can harm them.

Do not use Atenolol tablets after the “expiry” or “use by” date shown on the pack.

Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature (below 25°C).

Any out of date medicines should be returned to your pharmacist for disposal.

| 6. Further Information |

What Atenolol tabletscontain

•    The active substance in Atenolol Tablets is Atenolol

•    The other ingredients in Atenolol tablets are Lactose Monohydrate, Sodium starch glycollate, Magnesium stearate E 572, Microcrystalline cellulose E 460(i), Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Colloidal anhydrous silica, Hypromellose, Ethyl cellulose, Diethylphthalate, Opaspray orange K-1-2433 (contains E110 (Sunsetyellow FCF) and E171 (Titanium Dioxide)

What Atenolol tablets look like and contents ofthe pack.

•    Atenolol 25 mg tablets are orange, circular, film-coated tablet with convex sides with 'A25' embossed on one side.

•    The containers are available in pack size of 100 and 250 tablets

•    The blister packs are available in sizes of 28 tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Bristol Laboratories Ltd, Unit 3, Canal side, Northbridge Road Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1EG This leaflet was last approved in October 2008.