Which of the following is a significant box warning for Atenolol?

Atenolol, a beta-blocker commonly used to manage hypertension and certain cardiac conditions, carries a significant box warning regarding the avoidance of abrupt withdrawal. This is crucial because sudden discontinuation of beta-blockers can lead to acute withdrawal symptoms, such as rebound hypertension or the exacerbation of angina. In some cases, it may even precipitate myocardial infarction or other serious cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with underlying coronary artery disease.

Therefore, it is essential for healthcare providers to emphasize to patients the importance of tapering the dosage gradually rather than stopping the medication abruptly. This practice helps to minimize the risks associated with withdrawal and ensures a safer transition for the patient. The awareness of this warning is particularly important when a patient is being transitioned to another medication regimen or when treatment is being reevaluated.

The other options do not pertain specifically to a box warning for atenolol, making the warning about avoiding abrupt withdrawal a critical aspect of patient management and safety when prescribing this medication.