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Atenolol

Filed under: Anti Angina Medication, Anti Hypertensive Medication, Beta Blockers

atenolol Displayed: Atenolol Tenormin LS 50mg

Atenolol belongs to a group of drugs known as Beta-adrenoceptor blocker (often referred to as a beta-blocker). It prevents the heart from beating to fast and is used mainly to treat irregular heart rhythms, it is also used in the treatment of angina, (pains in chest) It reduces high blood pressure, (hypertension) controls the rhythm of the heart beat if it has become irregular and to protect the heart after a heart attack, due to its cardioselective properties. The risk of bronchospastic reactions if using atenolol is reduced compared to non-selective drugs such as propranolol. Unlike other beta blockers atenolol works mainly on the heart its cardioselective properties making it a likely tablet for those people who suffer lung problems. Having said that this reaction may also be encountered with atenolol, particularly with high doses. Extreme caution should be the order of the day if this medication is administered to patients with breathing difficulty’s such as asthma.

Atenolol controls the symptoms of heart disease and may need to be taken continuously over a long period. In some cases for life. Atenolol, celiprolol, nadolol, and sotalol are the most water-soluble; they are less likely to enter the brain, and may therefore cause less sleep disturbance and nightmares. Water-soluble beta-blockers are excreted by the kidneys and dosage reduction is often necessary in renal impairment.

Some beta-blockers such as atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, celiprolol, and nadolol have an intrinsically longer duration of action and need to be given only once daily.

Quick Guide

  • Beta Blocker with overdose danger – MEDIUM.
  • Dependency is said to be – LOW.
  • Prescription only drug – YES.
  • Available as generic – YES.
  • Alcohol Avoidance – NO.
  • Alcohol consumption needs to be kept low.
  • Swallow your Tenormin/Atenolol tablet whole with a drink of water.
  • Take Tenormin/Atenolol at the same times each day. This may help you to not forget to take your medicine (habit forming).
  • Tenormin 25 mg tablets contain glycerol which may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea in some individuals.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common (affects less than 1 in 10 people): You may notice that your pulse rate becomes slower while you are taking the tablets. This is normal, but if you are concerned please tell your doctor about it, Cold hands and feet Diarrhoea, Feeling sick (nausea), Feeling tired.
UnCommon (affects less than 1 in 100 people): Disturbed sleep.
Rare: (affects less than 1 in 1,000 people) Heart block (which can cause dizziness, abnormal heart beat, tiredness or fainting). Numbness and spasm in your fingers which is followed by warmth and pain (Raynaud’s disease), Mood changes, Nightmares, Feeling confused, Changes in personality (psychoses) or hallucinations. Headache, Dizziness (particularly when standing up), Tingling of your hands, Being unable to get an erection (impotence).

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using Atenolol It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer.

If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Before you take Tenormin (manufacturer recommends)

Do not take Tenormin (atenolol)

  • If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to atenolol or any of the other ingredients of Tenormin 25mg Tablets.
  • If you have heart failure which is not under control (this usually makes you breathless and causes your ankles to swell).
  • If you have second or third-degree heart block (a condition which may be treated by a pacemaker).
  • If you have very slow or very uneven heart beats, very low blood pressure or very poor circulation.
  • If you have a tumour called phaeochromocytoma that is not being treated. This is usually near your kidney and can cause high blood pressure. If you are being treated for phaeochromocytoma, your doctor will give you another medicine, called an alpha-blocker, to take as well as Tenormin.
  • If you have been told that you have higher than normal levels of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis).

Do not take Tenormin if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tenormin.

Prolonged Use

It is documented that no problem would be expected.It could also be habit-forming. Atenolol should be withdrawn gradually. Stopping the drug without advice from doctors could lead to a worsening of the underlying problem.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

This drug could cause dizziness. It would be advisable to avoid such actions until you are aware of the effect atenolol has on you. If you do drink it would be wise to keep consumption low.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

As with most drugs safety in pregnancy is not yet known. Discuss this issue if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant with your doctor. Discuss also if you intend to breast feed as the drug passes into the breast milk.

Atenolol is classified as a pregnancy Category D medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category D… There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery and Dental Procedures

It would be best to let hospital staff/anaesthetist, doctor/dentist know prior to a general anaesthetic or dental work if you are on Atenolol. It may need to be stopped if you have to under-go general anaesthetics. This is because you can get low blood pressure (hypotension) if you are given certain anaesthetics while you are taking Tenormin.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over Sixties & Children

There would be no special problems for the over sixties unless you have kidney problems you may then need a reduced dose. Atenolol is not recommended for children.

Overdose

If for what ever reason you find you have unintentialy taken an extra dose it would be unlikely to give reason for concern. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms or you or someone you know has taken a large overdose you should notify your doctor immediately.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Other Medication Reactions

You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication. This is because of the way some medicines can interact when taken alongside of each other.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may contribute to the lowering of antihypertensive effect of atenolol. If decongestants are used while taking Atenolol this could lead to increased blood pressure and a quickening of the heart rate. If calcium channel blocker are taken when on Atenolol it is likey some of these drugs could reduce the force of the pumping action of the heart, there could also be a further decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Atenolol may increase the risks of low sugar levels or even mask this problem, when used along-side of Antidiabetic drugs If anti-arrhythmic drugs are used along side of atenolol they may be an increased risk of adverse effects on the heart.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Any sudden withdrawal from the drug may lead to a worsening of the symptoms. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting with your doctor first. This medication will need a slow withdrawal time.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The effects from this drug can be felt within 2 to 4 hours. The duration of the drug is 20 to 30 hours.

Safety and Storage

  • Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
  • If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take ateolol if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
  • Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
  • Keep atenolol in their original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
  • Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects on our enviroment.

If atenolol has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Reference:

  • AstraZeneca UK Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 01/10/2010. Tenormin 25mg Tablets.
  • British National Formulary – 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
  • If you suffer from the likes of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema (lung disorders).
  • If you suffer from low blood pressure or poor circulation.
  • If you have psoriasis (a skin disorder).
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
  • If you have long-term kidney or liver problems.
  • If you have heart failure.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you know you have Prinzmetal’s angina (chest pain caused by spasms of the heart’s blood vessels).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine*.
  • If you are taking any other medication (including herbal/vitamins complementary medicines and those available to buy over the counter without a prescription.

*If you have an allergic reaction, see a doctor straight away. The signs may include raised lumps on your skin (weals), or swelling of your face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat.

Tenormin 25mg Tablets each contain 25mg (milligrams) of the active ingredient atenolol.

The other ingredients are gelatin, magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, sodium laurilsulfate, maize starch, titanium dioxide (E171) and glycerol.

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