Description

Tenormin 50 – Strip of 14 Tablets

Tenormin 50 – Strip of 14 Tablets is a medication that contains Atenolol, a beta-blocker primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), and certain heart conditions.

Composition:

Each Tenormin 50 tablet contains:

• Atenolol (50 mg): Atenolol is a beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker (beta-blocker). It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the heart, resulting in a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure. This helps reduce the workload on the heart, making it effective for treating various cardiovascular conditions.

Uses:

Tenormin 50 is prescribed for:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Atenolol helps lower blood pressure by reducing the heart rate and the force of contraction, which reduces the strain on the heart and lowers blood pressure.
2. Angina (Chest Pain): By reducing the heart’s demand for oxygen, Tenormin helps prevent chest pain (angina) that occurs due to restricted blood flow to the heart.
3. Heart Attack (Post Myocardial Infarction): It is used to prevent further complications and improve survival rates after a heart attack by reducing the workload on the heart.
4. Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats): Atenolol can help control irregular heart rhythms, particularly supraventricular arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation).
5. Anxiety (Off-label use): Sometimes, Tenormin is used off-label to manage symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and tremors.

Dosage:

• Hypertension and Angina: The typical dose for Tenormin 50 is 50 mg once daily, which may be adjusted based on the patient’s condition and response.
• Post-Heart Attack: The dose may be started at 50 mg daily and adjusted depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
• Arrhythmias: Tenormin is used to help control heart rhythm problems, typically starting at 50 mg daily and adjusted as needed.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Tenormin 50 may include:

• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly (due to lowered blood pressure).
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Cold extremities (hands and feet).
• Shortness of breath, especially in people with pre-existing lung conditions like asthma or COPD.
• Sleep disturbances, such as vivid dreams or insomnia.
• Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea or diarrhea.

Serious side effects (though rare) include:

• Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate).
• Heart block or worsening heart failure in some patients.
• Severe allergic reactions, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Depression or mood changes (although this is rare).
• Severe dizziness or fainting.

Precautions:

• Asthma and Respiratory Issues: Atenolol can worsen symptoms in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it can constrict the airways.
• Diabetes: Atenolol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so diabetic patients should monitor their blood glucose levels carefully.
• Heart Conditions: Atenolol should be used cautiously in patients with certain heart conditions such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, or heart failure.
• Kidney Issues: Atenolol is excreted by the kidneys, so it may require dose adjustment in patients with kidney problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Atenolol is generally avoided during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, unless necessary. It is not recommended during breastfeeding because it can pass into breast milk.

Drug Interactions:

• Other Blood Pressure Medications: Combining Tenormin with other antihypertensive drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers) may cause an excessive drop in blood pressure.
• Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Using Tenormin with other medications for heart rhythm problems (e.g., digoxin) may slow the heart rate excessively.
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) may reduce the effectiveness of Tenormin in lowering blood pressure.
• Diabetic Medications: Atenolol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, so diabetic patients must be vigilant about monitoring their blood glucose levels.