Description

Aten AM – Strip of 14 Tablets

Aten AM – Strip of 14 Tablets is a combination medication used primarily for managing high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular conditions. It contains a combination of two active ingredients:

Composition:

Each Aten AM tablet contains:

1. Atenolol (50 mg): Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the effects of certain natural chemicals (such as adrenaline) on the heart, resulting in reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure.
2. Amlodipine (5 mg): Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that helps to relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing blood pressure.

Uses:

Aten AM is commonly prescribed for:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): The combination of Atenolol and Amlodipine helps to lower blood pressure by reducing heart rate (Atenolol) and relaxing blood vessels (Amlodipine).
2. Angina (Chest Pain): By reducing the heart’s workload and relaxing blood vessels, Aten AM can help prevent chest pain associated with angina.
3. Heart Disease: In some cases, Aten AM is used in the management of other heart-related conditions, especially in patients who need combined therapy to control both heart rate and blood pressure.

Dosage:

The typical dosage for Aten AM is:

• 1 tablet (Atenolol 50 mg + Amlodipine 5 mg) once daily, but the dosage may be adjusted by your doctor based on individual needs, especially in cases of severe hypertension or angina.
• Amlodipine may be increased to 10 mg if additional blood pressure control is needed.
• Atenolol doses can be adjusted based on the individual’s response to the medication.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Aten AM may include:

• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
• Swelling of the ankles or feet (due to Amlodipine’s effect on blood vessels).
• Headache.
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort.
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia), especially due to Atenolol.
• Flushing or warmth in the face and neck (Amlodipine-related).

Serious side effects (though rare) include:

• Severe dizziness or fainting.
• Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate).
• Chest pain or worsening of angina.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Precautions:

• Asthma or respiratory problems: Atenolol can affect the lungs and worsen breathing problems in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Low blood pressure (hypotension): Atenolol and Amlodipine both lower blood pressure, so caution is needed, especially if you already have low blood pressure.
• Heart conditions: Individuals with heart block, heart failure, or very slow heart rates should use Aten AM with caution.
• Kidney or liver problems: Atenolol and Amlodipine are processed by the kidneys and liver, so they should be used carefully in people with kidney or liver disease.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Aten AM should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Aten AM may interact with other medications, such as:

• Other blood pressure medications, including other beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics, which may lead to low blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers, as using two calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine with another one) may lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure.
• Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., digoxin), which can increase the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
• Diabetic medications: Atenolol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of Aten AM and increase the risk of side effects like dizziness.