Description

Aten-H 12.5 – Strip of 10 Tablets

Aten-H 12.5 – Strip of 10 Tablets is a combination medication used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It combines Atenolol, a beta-blocker, and Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. The combination helps lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.

Composition:

Each Aten-H 12.5 tablet contains:

1. Atenolol (12.5 mg): Atenolol is a beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker (beta-blocker). It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which:
   • Reduces heart rate.
   • Lowers blood pressure.
   • Decreases the workload of the heart, which is helpful in treating conditions like hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg): Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that works by increasing urine production, helping the kidneys eliminate excess sodium and water from the body. This reduces fluid retention and lowers blood pressure.

Uses:

Aten-H 12.5 is primarily used for:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): By combining the effects of Atenolol (which slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure) and Hydrochlorothiazide (which reduces fluid buildup), Aten-H 12.5 helps in lowering high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
2. Heart Failure: The combination is also used to manage heart failure, where lowering blood pressure and fluid retention is critical in easing the heart’s workload.
3. Edema (fluid retention): Due to the diuretic effect of Hydrochlorothiazide, Aten-H 12.5 helps reduce fluid buildup associated with conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or other conditions causing edema.

Dosage:

The usual dose of Aten-H 12.5 is:

• 1 tablet (Atenolol 12.5 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) once daily.
• The dosage may vary depending on individual needs and the severity of the condition. A doctor may adjust the dose based on how well the patient responds to the medication.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Aten-H 12.5 may include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly (due to blood pressure lowering).
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Frequent urination (due to the diuretic effect).
• Cold hands and feet.
• Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea or diarrhea.
• Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or sodium levels), which can cause muscle cramps or weakness.

Serious side effects (though rare) include:

• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a very low blood pressure.
• Electrolyte disturbances (low potassium or sodium levels), which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Severe allergic reactions, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Worsening kidney function or elevated creatinine levels.

Precautions:

• Kidney issues: Use with caution in people with kidney problems, as Hydrochlorothiazide can affect kidney function.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Periodic monitoring of potassium, sodium, and other electrolyte levels is important, as Hydrochlorothiazide can cause imbalances.
• Heart conditions: Patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, or other heart issues should use Aten-H 12.5 with caution.
• Diabetes: Atenolol may mask symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so diabetic patients need to monitor their blood glucose levels closely.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Aten-H 12.5 should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it may harm the fetus. It is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
• Liver disease: Use with caution in patients with liver problems, as Atenolol is metabolized by the liver.

Drug Interactions:

Aten-H 12.5 may interact with other medications, including:

• Other antihypertensive medications: Combining with other blood pressure-lowering drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, or other diuretics) can lead to excessively low blood pressure.
• Lithium: Hydrochlorothiazide can increase lithium levels, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the effectiveness of Aten-H 12.5 in lowering blood pressure.
• Digoxin: Atenolol may slow the heart rate, and combined with digoxin, it may increase the risk of bradycardia.
• Anti-diabetic drugs: Atenolol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so caution is needed when used with anti-diabetic medications.