Also known as:  Atenolol.

Description

Tenormin is used in the management of high blood pressure (hypertension), control over irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) as well as for relief of recurrent chest pain episodes (angina pectoris). The medicine also protects patients who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction) in the past and prevents another one.

Tenormin is composed of the active ingredient Atenolol, a beta-adrenoceptor blocking medicine, often referred to as a beta-blocker. This medication works on the heart and blood vessels, causing the heart to beat slower and with less force. This way, the blood pressure within the blood vessels is reduced, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.

The blood-lowering effect of the drug helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions, as well as manage uneven heart rhythms in patients with arrhythmia. Tenormin lessens the pressure exerted on the heart, which also helps reduce the number and duration of anginal attack in those having angina pectoris.

Indications

Treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).

Treatment of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Prevention of angina pectoris (chest pain).

Secondary prevention after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Mechanism of action

Atenolol is a synthetic and cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent which exerts antihypertensive, hypotensive, and antiarrhythmic effects. It acts primarily on beta-1 adrenergic receptors located in the heart and the vascular smooth muscle. The active ingredient works by competing with sympathomimetic neurotransmitters like catecholamines for binding to the receptors site where it inhibits sympathetic stimulation. This causes a reduction in myocardial contractability and heart rate as well as lowers blood pressure. If the medicine is taken at higher doses, it also can competitively block beta-2 adrenergic responses in the bronchial and vascular smooth muscles. Atenolol’s administration also leads to a decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption, which is beneficial for the prevention of recurrent episode of chest pain (angina pectoris) and their severity.

Dosage

The accurate dosage of Tenormin should be determined for each individual. Patients should start with the lowest possible dose to avoid adverse effects. The treatment with Atenolol is usually long-term and should be applied on a daily basis. You can take the medicine either with or without food.

Maximum daily dose of Tenormin is 100 mg for the treatment of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and a post-heart attack. For the prevention of angina pectoris (chest pain), the daily dose must not exceed 200 mg of Tenormin.

Patients with liver or kidney problems should be under constant medical supervision and take blood tests to monitor hepatic and renal functions.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Tenormin, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Do not exceed the doctor’s recommended dose.

Overdose

If an overdose occurs and you are feeling unwell, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not exceed the doctor’s recommended dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C (77°F) away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Side effects

The most common side effects associated with Tenormin are:

• bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
• hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure)
• headache
• vertigo
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• depression
• diarrhea
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• heartburn
• constipation
• wheeziness
• dyspnea
• swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue
• skin rash, itching, hives
• bronchospasm (sudden constriction of the bronchioles)
• muscle cramps or weakness

Side effects occurrence does not only depend on the medication you are taking but also on your overall health and other factors.

Contraindications

Tenormin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Atenolol or any of the drug’s excipients.

Do not take the medication:

• If you have a second- or third-degree heart block (a condition in which the heartbeat is abnormally slow).
• If you have a cardiogenic shock (the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet your body's needs).
• If you have heart failure, which is not under control.
• If you suffer from sick sinus syndrome (irregular heartbeats).
• If you have severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate).
• If you suffer from hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure).
• If you have metabolic acidosis (increased acidity of the blood).
• If you have untreated pheochromocytoma (high blood pressure due to a tumor near the kidneys).
• If you suffer from severe blood circulation disturbances.
• If you have or have had breathing problems like severe asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as airway obstruction.
• In case you suffer from tight, painful feeling in the chest in periods of rest (Variant or Prinzmetal’s angina).
• If you have recently been or are being treated with intravenous verapamil or diltiazem.

Do not use the medication if you are pregnant or when breastfeeding without your doctor’s recommendation.

Do not give Tenormin to patients under 18 years of age without medical advice.

Be careful with taking the medication if you have diabetes mellitus as this medicine may mask low blood sugar levels.

Take special care with Tenormin if you have impaired liver or kidney function.

Exercise caution if you suffer from thyrotoxicosis (high levels of thyroid hormone in the body) as it may hide cardiovascular signs of the condition.

Avoid drinking alcohol while on Tenormin as this may lead to an enhanced blood pressure-lowering effect.

Interactions

Concomitant use of Tenormin with some medications is not recommended. These include:

• antihypertensives (such as clonidine, alfuzosin, nifedipine, diltiazem, verapamil, prazosin, terazosin)
• digitalis glycosides to treat heart conditions (like digoxin)
• medicines for arrhythmia treatment (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine)
• NSAIDs (indomethacin)
• medications to treat diabetes (including insulin)
• sympathomimetic agents (asthma or heart medicine, decongestant)
• medications to widen blood vessels (isoprenaline or dobutamine)
• tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline)
• muscle relaxants (like baclofen)
• barbiturates for insomnia, epilepsy
• anesthetic drugs (e.g., phenobarbital)
• phenothiazines to treat mental illnesses (e.g., chlorpromazine)
• medicines used in urinary tract infections (like ampicillin)
• ‘contrast media’ injection used with X-rays

Take special care with the medicine intake if you are about to undergo a surgery where anesthetics may be used (including dentistry).

Q: What are the medical uses of Tenormin?

A: This medication is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stable angina characterized by chest pain or pressure. The medicine is also beneficial for the treatment of patients who have had a heart attack in the past, helping to prevent it from happening again.

Q: How should I take the drug?

A: The medication is indicated for long-term treatment on a daily basis. You can take Tenormin with or without food.

Q: Is it safe to take the medicine during pregnancy or when breastfeeding?

A: Tenormin is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Ask your doctor for advice before taking the medication.

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