Is It Safe To Stop Atenolol For Few Days?

Posted on Fri, 7 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Feb 2014 Answered on

Mon, 3 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking Atenolol since 1991 & need some today. Changed my pharmacy & my doc would not OK this. Wanted to see me. My car is broken & can't get there. I will be 79 in a few days & am out of it now What will happen if I don't take it?Could you ok an Rx for me at a local pharmacy today?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer: No worries if you won't take atenolol for few days Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for sharing your concern with XXXXXXX Nothing worrisome will happen if you stop taking atenolol for some day until you will see your cardiologist. If you are having any other problem which is not resolved by your cardiologist earlier; or if you are not happy with the current cardiologist, you have your own right to change doctor and to choose another one. I cannot prescribe atenolol for you as long as I do not have your medical data and cardiac tests you did. Once again, there is nothing to be worried about if you won't take atenolol for some more days. All the best! Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (59 minutes later)

i don't have heart problems, only high blood pressure. Getting to a doctor involves trying to find someone to take me to a Urgent care that is 46 min. away & it is storming in n.Ca finally, but not helping my problem That is why I turned to you in the first place! Remember I am 79 & so are friends I have left. They don't want to be driving in a storm.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Follow the answer below... Detailed Answer: Hi again, As per other communication, you can wait some day to see your doctor. Nothing will be wrong with you. However if your heart rate or BP increase you can take a supplementary pill of lisinopril to help you. As a home remedy, you can eat garlic (raw preferably) while not taking atenolol. Hope it was of help All the best! Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D