Atenolol

Atenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (the flow of blood through the arteries and veins). Atenolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Atenolol is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack.

Atenolol is a beta1-selective beta-blocker (that is, it preferentially acts on the beta1-adrenergic receptors in the heart). Selectivity decreases with increasing dose. Atenolol lacks intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and membrane stabilization, and like other beta-blockers, has negative inotropic effects (and is therefore contraindicated in uncontrolled heart failure).

Like other beta-blockers, the mechanism of action of atenolol in the treatment of high blood pressure is not fully understood.

Atenolol's action on reducing heart rate and contractility is likely to make it effective in eliminating or reducing symptoms in patients with angina.

It is unlikely that the additional secondary properties that S (-) atenolol possesses, compared to the racemic mixture, will increase the different therapeutic effects.

Atenolol is effective and adequately tolerated in most ethnic populations, although the response may be lower in black individuals.

Always use these high blood pressure tablets exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist again.

The recommended dosage is 50-100 mg daily (1 or 2 atenolol tablets 50 mg).

This medicine is usually taken once a day, although the daily dose can also be divided into two doses.

• Atenolol tablets should be swallowed whole with the help of a little water.
• Try to take your tablet at the same time each day.
• Your doctor will indicate the duration of your treatment with atenolol.
• It is very important to continue taking atenolol for the time recommended by the doctor.
• The tablet can be divided into equal doses. Do not stop taking your tablets, even if you feel well unless your doctor tells you to; In this case, you should do it gradually.

Adults

High blood pressure: the starting dose is 50 mg daily. The maximum effect occurs after 1-2 weeks of treatment. If the response is not sufficient, the dose can be increased to 100 mg. The efficacy does not usually increase if this dose is exceeded. A further reduction in blood pressure can be obtained by combining atenolol with other antihypertensive agents.

Chest pain (angina): Although this is usually also started at a dose of 50 mg per day, the effective dose is generally 100 mg in a single oral dose or two 50-mg doses per day.

Irregular heartbeat: after controlling the arrhythmias with intravenous treatment, the appropriate maintenance oral dosage is 50-100 mg/day, administered in a single dose.

Early protection after a heart attack: in patients in whom β-blocker treatment is indicated, it will be started intravenously and then continued orally, with 50 or 100 mg daily. If bradycardia and/or hypotension occur requiring treatment, or any other unwanted effects occur, this treatment should be discontinued.

Delayed protection after a heart attack: If several days have elapsed since acute myocardial infarction, an oral dose of atenolol of 100 mg/day is recommended as long-term prophylaxis.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Cold fingers and toes.
• Slower heartbeat.
• Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea and diarrhea).
• Fatigue

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Sleep disorders, analogous to those that occur with other beta-blockers.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• Heart block (which can cause an abnormal heartbeat, dizziness, tiredness, or fainting).
• Worsening of breathing difficulties, if you have or have had asthma.
• Shortness of breath and / or ankle swelling if you also have heart failure.
• Worsening of your blood circulation, if you already have some degree of circulatory failure.
• Numbness and spasms in the fingers, followed by a feeling of heat and pain ("Raynaud's phenomenon").
• Humor changes.
• Nightmares
• Confusion
• Psychosis or hallucinations (mental disorders).
• Headache
• Dizziness, especially when standing up.
• Tingling sensation in the hands.
• Impotence
• Dry mouth.
• Dry eyes.
• Vision disorders
• Weakening of the hair.
• Skin rash, including worsening of psoriasis.
• Thrombocytopenia (greater ease for the appearance of bruises).
• Purple (purple spots on the skin).
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes).

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

• Very rarely, changes can occur in some cells or blood components. Your doctor may want you to have a blood test to check if atenolol has had an effect on your blood.