What is a common adverse effect of atenolol?

Atenolol, a beta-1 adrenergic blocker, is primarily used to manage hypertension and certain heart conditions. A common adverse effect associated with its use is lightheadedness, which can occur due to its action of lowering blood pressure. As atenolol reduces the heart rate and the strength of heart contractions, it can result in decreased cardiac output, potentially leading to orthostatic hypotension. This drop in blood pressure upon standing can make patients feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Other effects like fatigue may also occur but are generally considered less common compared to the incidence of lightheadedness, especially in the context of blood pressure changes. Weight gain is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol; it sometimes can lead to weight loss. A persistent cough is more often associated with ACE inhibitors rather than beta blockers like atenolol.

Understanding these effects is crucial for patient management, allowing healthcare providers to monitor for these issues and adjust treatment strategies accordingly.