Description

Aten 100 – Strip of 14 Tablets

Aten 100 – Strip of 14 Tablets contains Atenolol 100 mg and is primarily used to manage various cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain).

Composition:

Each Aten 100 tablet contains:

• Atenolol (100 mg): Atenolol is a beta-blocker, a class of medication that works by blocking the effects of certain natural substances, such as adrenaline, on the heart. This results in:
  • A slower heart rate.
  • Reduced blood pressure.
  • Decreased strain on the heart, making it effective in controlling conditions like hypertension, angina, and irregular heart rhythms.

Uses:

Aten 100 is prescribed for:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Atenolol helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
2. Angina (Chest Pain): By reducing the heart’s workload and oxygen demand, Atenolol helps prevent episodes of chest pain caused by angina.
3. Post-Heart Attack: It is often used after a heart attack to improve survival rates by reducing the heart’s oxygen demand.
4. Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats): Atenolol can be prescribed to manage arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular arrhythmias.
5. Heart Failure: In some cases, Atenolol is used as part of treatment for chronic heart failure.
6. Prevention of Migraines (off-label use): Atenolol is sometimes used to prevent migraines, although this is not its primary purpose.

Dosage:

• Hypertension and Angina: The usual dose for Aten 100 is 1 tablet (100 mg) once daily, which can be adjusted depending on the individual’s response.
• Post-Heart Attack or Arrhythmias: The doctor may prescribe Aten 100 in the initial phase following a heart attack, adjusting the dose as necessary for optimal management.
• Heart Failure: Dosing may start lower and gradually increase based on the patient’s response.
• Migraine Prevention: The usual dose for this off-label use is typically lower, often starting at 50 mg daily, but it may be adjusted.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Aten 100 include:

• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension).
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Cold hands and feet.
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea.
• Sleep disturbances (vivid dreams or insomnia).
• Depression or mood changes (although this is rare).

Serious side effects (though rare) include:

• Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate).
• Heart failure or worsening heart symptoms in individuals with existing heart conditions.
• Shortness of breath, especially in individuals with asthma or other lung conditions.
• Severe allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Precautions:

• Respiratory issues: Atenolol should be used with caution in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as it can exacerbate breathing problems.
• Diabetes: Atenolol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as rapid heartbeat, so individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully.
• Kidney Problems: Atenolol is excreted by the kidneys, so people with kidney disease may need a dosage adjustment.
• Heart Conditions: Atenolol should be used cautiously in patients with certain heart conditions such as heart block, bradycardia, or sick sinus syndrome.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Atenolol is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It should be avoided while breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk.

Drug Interactions:

• Other Blood Pressure Medications: Taking Atenolol with other antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers may cause a significant drop in blood pressure.
• Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Concurrent use with other medications for arrhythmias (e.g., digoxin) may increase the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) may reduce the effectiveness of Atenolol in lowering blood pressure.
• Diabetes Medications: Atenolol can mask the signs of low blood sugar, so diabetic patients should be extra cautious and monitor their blood glucose levels.