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Tenormin (Atenolol)

 

Atenolol (generic Tenormin) Review

brand name: Tenormin
generic name: Atenolol

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, atenolol and chlortalidone (previously spelt chlorthalidone in the UK).

Atenolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers, which block beta receptors in the heart, lungs and other organs of the body. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals as they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.

Blocking the beta receptors in the heart causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. This reduces the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body. This is just one of the ways in which beta blockers help to reduce blood pressure, however the whole mechanism is not fully understood.


Chlortalidone is a type of medicine called a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics act in the kidney to remove water from the blood into the urine, by causing an increase in the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium from the blood. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine.

Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. The drop in fluid volume results in a drop in the pressure of the fluid within the blood vessels, which helps to lower high blood pressure. It also decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body.

The combination of these two medicines is particularly useful in treating high blood pressure.

What drug(s) may interact with Atenolol?

•antacids
•calcium salts
•cocaine
•hawthorn
•medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
•medicines for diabetes
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines to control heart rhythm
•monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, nutritional supplements, including nonprescription medicines, Zelapar™)
•water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, Parnate®, Nardil®, Marplan®, Emsam®, Eldepryl®, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Special warnings about Atenolol (Tenormin)

If you have a history of severe congestive heart failure, Tenormin should be used with caution.

Tenormin should not be stopped suddenly. It can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced.

Tenormin may cause harm to a developing baby when taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Atenolol (Tenormin), inform your doctor immediately.

If you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies, or other bronchial conditions, coronary artery disease or kidney disease, Atenolol (Tenormin) should be used with caution.

Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Tenormin. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Tenormin if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental surgery.

This medication may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tenormin.

• More common side effects may include:
  Dizziness, nausea, fatigue, slow heartbeat

Label warnings

• Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.
  
  

What should I watch for while taking Atenolol (Tenormin)?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking Atenolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how Atenolol (Tenormin) affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Atenolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Atenolol (Tenormin).