Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Atenolol
Severity: Minor
Acetylsalicylic acid and Atenolol: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
NSAIDs including regular analgesic doses of aspirin can blunt the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers by inhibiting vasodilatory prostaglandins and promoting fluid retention. Low-dose aspirin has little effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Atenolol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Atenolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis causing sodium and water retention and reduced vasodilation.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure if analgesic-dose aspirin is used regularly. Low-dose cardioprotective aspirin generally needs no change.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Acetylsalicylic acid and Atenolol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Atenolol
- Amifostine + Atenolol Major
- Amiodarone + Atenolol Major
- Atenolol + Atenolol-chlorthalidone Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Bisoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Carvedilol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Atenolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Acetylsalicylic acid and Atenolol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. NSAIDs including regular analgesic doses of aspirin can blunt the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers by inhibiting vasodilatory prostaglandins and promoting fluid retention. Low-dose aspirin has little effect.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Atenolol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure if analgesic-dose aspirin is used regularly. Low-dose cardioprotective aspirin generally needs no change.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
