Tenoloc

Indications

Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure, to prevent chest pain caused by angina, to control some types of fast or irregular heartbeat, and to protect the heart after a heart attack.

How It Works

Atenolol is a beta blocker. It blocks the effect of adrenaline on the heart, so the heart beats more slowly and with less force. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's need for oxygen.

Dosage and Administration

High blood pressure in adults: usually 25 mg to 50 mg once a day. Angina: usually 50 mg to 100 mg a day, as one dose or two divided doses. Heart rhythm problems and after a heart attack: as prescribed. Take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Older people and people with kidney problems may need a lower dose. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse in hospital. Children: as prescribed.

Interactions

Taking Verapamil or Diltiazem with Atenolol can slow the heart too much. Other blood pressure medicines, some antidepressants and alcohol can make blood pressure fall too low. If you take Clonidine as well, do not stop Clonidine suddenly. Atenolol can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar in people using Insulin or diabetes tablets. Amiodarone and Digoxin may slow the heart further. NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen may reduce its effect. Tell your doctor about all your medicines, including cold remedies that contain decongestants.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Atenolol or other beta blockers.
• A very slow heartbeat or certain heart block problems.
• Heart failure that is not under control, or cardiogenic shock.
• Very low blood pressure.
• Severe circulation problems in the hands or feet.
• Untreated phaeochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumour).
• Asthma or a history of wheezing, unless a specialist advises otherwise.

Side Effects

Common: tiredness, cold hands and feet, slow pulse, stomach upset and feeling dizzy when standing up. Less common: sleep problems, low mood, and erection problems.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• A very slow pulse, fainting or severe dizziness.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Breathlessness with swelling of the ankles or sudden weight gain.
• Swelling of the face or throat, or a severe rash.
• Chest pain that is new or worse.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if a doctor decides it is needed, as it may slow the baby's growth; the doctor may prefer another medicine. Atenolol passes into breast milk and can slow the baby's heart rate, so talk to your doctor before breastfeeding. If it is used, watch the baby for drowsiness or poor feeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not stop taking Atenolol suddenly, as this can bring on chest pain or a heart attack; the doctor will reduce the dose slowly. Use with care in people with diabetes, an overactive thyroid, psoriasis, circulation problems, or kidney disease. Tell the doctor or dentist that you take it before surgery. It can cause dizziness or tiredness, so take care when driving.

Overdose

Too much can cause a very slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, breathing difficulty and low blood sugar. This is an emergency; seek medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Beta blocker (cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocker).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.