What is it?
Atenolol belongs to a group of medicines known as beta blockers which narrow blood vessels to haemangiomas. This reduces blood flow and increases softness to the haemangioma, as well as reducing it in size.
A haemangioma is a collection of immature blood vessels, sometimes called ‘strawberry marks’ because the surface of some haemangiomas looks a bit like a strawberry. Haemangiomas have been well treated with a beta blocker called propranolol, but this medicine is occasionally not tolerated due to side effects. In this case atenolol may be used instead.
How is it given?
Atenolol is available as an oral solution, and as tablets. If your child is taking the oral solution, you should use an oral syringe to draw up the correct dose. These instructions will be on the medicine label. The dose of atenolol is calculated on your child’s weight so the dose will increase as they grow.
Treatment of haemangiomas with atenolol usually lasts until 14 to 18 months of age. When treatment is no longer needed, the dose of atenolol should be gradually reduced and not stopped suddenly. Whilst taking atenolol, we advise giving your child frequent feeds during the day. Babies must be woken up during the night to have a milk feed.
What are the side-effects?
Side effects are uncommon, but atenolol can cause:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation or diarrhoea
- Slow heart rate or low blood pressure – signs of this may be dizziness or fainting
- Cold extremities (hands and feet)
- Weakness and fatigue, such as floppiness and lack of interest in surroundings
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- Sleep disturbances
- Wheezing or coughing
Who should not take atenolol (contraindications)?
People with the following conditions should discuss taking atenolol with their doctor: Asthma, Kidney disease, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), uncontrolled heart failure or heart block, Raynaud’s disease.
Atenolol and other medications
The following medicines are known to interact with atenolol:
- Other medicines which slow the heart rate such as digoxin, verapamil and diltiazem
- Other medicines that reduce blood pressure such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers
- Lignocaine – an ingredient in some teething gels should not be given to babies taking atenolol
- Salbutamol – it can oppose the effects of atenolol, however if using this for asthma please discuss with your doctor
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines, including herbal or complementary medicines.
Important
- Keep medicines in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
- Keep medicines in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from heat.
- If your doctor decides to stop treatment with atenolol, return any unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not flush down the toilet or throw it away.
- If you forget to give your child a dose, give it as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose if it is already time to give the next one.
Your family doctor (GP) will need to give you a repeat prescription for atenolol.