Information about Tenormin (Atenolol)
Tenormin is a prescription medication containing atenolol, which is a beta-blocker used to treat various cardiovascular conditions. Atenolol works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, reducing the heart rate and the force of heart contractions. This helps lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, and prevent chest pain (angina). It is commonly used in the management of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain) and can also be used to improve survival after a heart attack.
Product Highlights
- Tenormin is most commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
- It is used to treat angina by reducing the heart's oxygen demand, preventing episodes of chest pain.
- Tenormin is also used after a heart attack to improve survival and prevent further complications by reducing the workload on the heart.
- In some cases, Tenormin is used off-label to manage arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), helping to stabilize heart rhythm.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Tenormin effectively lowers blood pressure, helping reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
- By reducing the heart's oxygen demand, Tenormin helps prevent angina attacks and improves overall heart function.
- When used after a heart attack, Tenormin helps prevent further damage and improves long-term survival.
- With a once-daily dosing schedule, Tenormin is easy to incorporate into daily routines, making it convenient for long-term management.
- By stabilizing heart rhythm and lowering blood pressure, Tenormin reduces the risk of cardiac events such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death.
Direction of Use
- The typical starting dose of Tenormin for hypertension is 50 mg once daily, but the exact dosage may vary depending on individual health conditions and the doctor’s recommendation. For angina, the usual dose is also 50 mg once a day.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
- It’s important to take Tenormin at the same time every day to help maintain consistent blood levels of the medication.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not take an additional dose to compensate for the missed one.
Safety Concerns
- Tenormin can cause hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Monitor for symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness.
- Atenolol can slow the heart rate, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or fainting.
- Tenormin may worsen heart block (a condition where electrical signals in the heart are delayed), particularly in people with pre-existing conduction disorders.
- Though atenolol is selective for the heart, it can still affect the lungs. Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should use Tenormin with caution, as it may trigger respiratory symptoms.
- Atenolol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with diabetes, so those individuals should monitor their blood sugar levels closely.
- Atenolol should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, as it can accumulate in the body in such cases.
- People with liver disease should also be monitored, as atenolol can affect liver function.
- Tenormin is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus or infant. It should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks and under a healthcare provider's supervision.
- Stopping Tenormin suddenly can lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It is crucial to gradually reduce the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Avoid Tenormin (Atenolol) If
- If you have an allergy to atenolol or any other beta-blocker, you should avoid taking Tenormin.
- If your heart rate is too slow (below 45-50 beats per minute), avoid Tenormin, as it can further slow the heart rate.
- Avoid Tenormin if you have second- or third-degree heart block unless you have a functioning pacemaker.
- Tenormin can exacerbate asthma or other respiratory conditions like COPD, so avoid it if you have these issues unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Severe Liver Disease: People with severe liver disease should avoid Tenormin, as it may worsen liver function.
- Severe Kidney Problems: Tenormin should be avoided in individuals with severe kidney impairment, as it may not be excreted properly.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tenormin is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, and should be avoided while breastfeeding unless directed by a healthcare provider.
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Avoid Tenormin if you have hypotension (low blood pressure), as it may lower your blood pressure further.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
