Description

Aten-H 25 – Strip of 10 Tablets

Aten-H 25 – Strip of 10 Tablets is a combination medication commonly prescribed for managing high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It combines Atenolol, a beta-blocker, with Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. This combination helps reduce blood pressure and manage fluid retention.

Composition:

Each Aten-H 25 tablet contains:

1. Atenolol (25 mg): Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, resulting in a slower heart rate and reduced blood pressure. It also reduces the strain on the heart, making it beneficial for managing conditions like hypertension, angina (chest pain), and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
2. Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg): Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that works by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, which helps eliminate excess salt and water from the body. This reduces fluid retention and lowers blood pressure. It’s often used alongside other medications to treat hypertension and edema (fluid buildup).

Uses:

Aten-H 25 is typically prescribed for:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): The combination of Atenolol and Hydrochlorothiazide lowers blood pressure through two different mechanisms — reducing heart rate and dilating blood vessels (Atenolol), and reducing fluid volume (Hydrochlorothiazide).
2. Heart Failure: Aten-H 25 may be used as part of a treatment plan for heart failure, where reducing blood pressure and fluid retention helps ease the burden on the heart.
3. Edema (fluid retention): Due to the diuretic effect of Hydrochlorothiazide, this medication can help reduce swelling caused by conditions like heart failure or kidney disorders.

Dosage:

The typical dose of Aten-H 25 is:

• 1 tablet (Atenolol 25 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg) once daily.
• The dosage may be adjusted based on individual needs, especially in patients with severe hypertension or heart failure.
• In cases where blood pressure control is not sufficient, the dose may be increased, or another antihypertensive drug may be added.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Aten-H 25 may include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly (due to the blood pressure-lowering effect).
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Increased urination (due to Hydrochlorothiazide).
• Electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium or sodium levels).
• Cold extremities or reduced blood flow to hands and feet.
• Dehydration or excessive thirst.

Serious side effects (though rare) include:

• Severe dizziness or fainting.
• Severe electrolyte disturbances (such as low potassium, sodium, or magnesium levels), which can cause muscle cramps, weakness, or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, or swelling.
• Worsening of kidney function or increased creatinine levels in the blood.

Precautions:

• Kidney issues: Aten-H 25 should be used with caution in people with kidney disease, as Hydrochlorothiazide can affect kidney function, and Atenolol is also excreted by the kidneys.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Periodic monitoring of blood electrolyte levels is necessary, as Hydrochlorothiazide may cause imbalances, particularly low potassium or sodium.
• Diabetes: Atenolol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so diabetic patients should monitor their blood glucose levels closely.
• Respiratory conditions: Atenolol can worsen symptoms in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Aten-H 25 should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk, and it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Aten-H 25 may interact with the following:

• Other blood pressure medications: Combining with other antihypertensive drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or calcium channel blockers, may increase the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Other diuretics: Using with other diuretics may increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Lithium: The use of Hydrochlorothiazide can increase the levels of lithium in the blood, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Drugs like ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of Aten-H 25 in controlling blood pressure.
• Digoxin: When combined with Atenolol, there is an increased risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate), especially in patients taking digoxin.