General Info: Uses and Effects

Tenormin Generic (Atenolol) is a type of drugs belonging to a class known as beta blockers. Beta blockers reduce a heart rate by relaxing the blood vessels. Atenolol treats hypertension, which prevents chest pain, hence it improves your survival after a heart attack.

Tenormin Atenolol exists in two forms: you can either find it in tablets, or in an injectable form. When using the drug in a tablet form, you can either take it once or twice a day. On the contrary, you can be injected with Atenolol directly into your veins by a professional doctor.

Normally, there are certain receptors called adrenergic receptors. They will alert the heart to contract and to push the blood out. Beta blockers will prevent this from happening by aligning to the beta receptors found in the heart. The beta blockers will block molecules which are usually responsible for activation of the receptors.

When that is done, the muscles of the heart won't be able to contract or push blood out from the body. Instead, the heart will be able to pump less, hence it will push small amount of blood. Your blood pressure and heart rate decreases.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before you start using Tenormin Atenolol, it is important to note the following:

• Don't use the drug if you're suffering from serious heart conditions like slow heartbeats, AV block, or heart failure.
• When you intend to stop using Atenolol, it is necessary that you first let your doctor know of your plans. Stopping suddenly can worsen your condition.
• In case you are planning for a surgery, make sure you consult your surgeon by letting him or her know in prior that you are using Tenormin Generic. Your doctor will go ahead and advise you on whether to stop using Atenolol for some time, or continue your medication.
• Despite tons of benefits Atenolol has, it has some side effects. The drug can impair your reactions or thinking. When doing something that needs you to be alert, try and be careful. Never take alcohol that can increase dizziness or drowsiness if you are using this medicine.
• Note that Tenormin Atenolol alone won't treat hypertension. It is part of a complete program. Therefore, the complete program should also include exercises, diet, weight control. This means you should follow your diet, exercise daily, and take your medicine as prescribed.
• Continue with the medication if you are undergoing the treatment for hypertension - don't stop even when you feel fine. Hypertension usually don't show signs. Sometimes you may be required to take the drugs for hypertension for your entire life.

Instructions on Taking

You can take this medication by mouth or via injection. In addition, you should take your drug once or twice in a day (a tablet form) as prescribed by your doctor.

Atenolol should be fully absorbed into the body. Orange or apple juices can be against full absorption of this drug. Therefore, skip these juices 4 hours within using Tenormin, unless a health specialist instructs otherwise.

Take Tenormin Atenolol regularly if you want to get the benefits. Always use the medication at same times every day. This will help you remember when you should take your drug. Continue with the medicine, whether you feel well or not. Most of hypertension patients don't feel sick.

When Atenolol is used for angina, it is recommended that you take it regularly.

Dosage

The dosage and duration of medication should be the task of your doctor. Your physician may take into consideration the following:

• Your tolerability to the drug;
• The medicine's clinical effectiveness.

Generally, the adults should take a dosage of 25-50 mg in a day. You can increase the dose after 1-2 weeks if necessary, though, the increase shouldn't be more than 100mg in a day. Further increase of your dose may subject you to side effects.

For the elderly, 65 and above years of age should take 25mg of Atenolol each day. The dose can be increased, but only for the control of blood pressure and heart rate.

For people suffering from impaired renal function, their dosage should be as follows:

• SC starting 15-35ml per minute should take 50mg per day;
• QC less than 15ml per minute should take 50mg every day.

Side Effects

Using Tenormin Atenolol may result in some side effects. They include:

• Dry mouth, abdominal pain, change in taste;
• Dry eyes, visual complications, soreness, conjunctivitis;
• Tiredness;
• Depression;
• Nausea;
• Lightheadedness;
• Drowsiness, hallucinations;
• Shortness of breath;
• Unusual weight gain;
• Fainting;
• Swelling of the feet, hands, ankles, lower legs;
• Arrhythmia;
• Chest pain;
• Orthostatic hypertension;
• Chronic heart failure;
• Anxiety;
• Headache;
• Weakness of muscles;
• Memory loss for a short time;
• Nightmarish dreams;
• Dermatitis;
• Nasal congestion;
• Skin hyperemia;
• Thrombosis;
• Withdrawal syndrome;
• Activity of hepatic increases;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Agranulocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia;
• Photosensitivity;
• Fatigue.

If you are experiencing such symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible so that you may be assisted as soon as possible.

Interaction with Other Drugs

It is important to notify your doctor of the drugs you are using. This will help him or her determine whether a combination of medication is good or not. Below is how Tenormin Atenolol react with other medications.

Combining Atenolol and other medications, which lower blood pressure, can decrease your blood pressure than expected. This may lead to you fainting normally, from a lying or a sitting position.

Below are some drugs which may hinder lowering of blood pressure by Atenolol. Some of the medicines include:

• Dexamethasone;
• Oestrogens;
• Ibrufen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin.

For people suffering from diabetes, they need to know their blood sugar levels frequently. Tenormin Atenolol can extend lowering your blood sugar and hide symptoms of low blood sugar.

Taking Methysergide or Ergotamine (drugs for the treatment of migraine) together with Atenolol can lead to cold or tingling hands.

Combining Atenolol with the following drugs can lead to very slow heart rates:

• Crizotinib;
• Digoxin;
• Fingolimod;
• Irregular heart medications;
• Mefloquine.