Atenolol tablets, Atenolol LS tablets, Atenolol syrup and Atenolol injection contain the active ingredient atenolol, which is a type of drug called a beta-blocker. (NB. Atenolol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.) Beta-blockers work by blocking beta receptors that are found in various parts of the body. Blocking beta receptors prevents the action of two chemicals, called noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are produced naturally by the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals, because they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.
Beta receptors are found in the heart. When they are blocked by atenolol the heart is made to beat more slowly and with less force. This reduces the pressure at which the blood is pumped out of the heart and around the body. This in turn reduces blood pressure, which means that atenolol can be used to treat high blood pressure. It also reduces the energy used by the heart to pump blood around the body, and so reduces the heart's need for oxygen, which means it can also be used in the management of angina.
Angina is chest pain that occurs because the heart does not get enough oxygen to meet demand, such as when doing exercise. Atenolol reduces the workload of the heart and so decreases its demand for oxygen. This helps to prevent attacks of angina.
Slowing the heart rate helps to control abnormal heart beats called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Atenolol corrects the abnormal heart beat and thus can be used to treat arrhythmias.
Atenolol has also been shown to reduce the damage to the heart if taken in the period shortly following a heart attack. This decreases the likelihood of having a further heart attack and lowers the risk of continued illness and death.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- prevention of further heart attacks following an initial heart attack;
- irregular heart beats (arrhythmias);
- high blood pressure (hypertension);
- angina pectoris;
Atenolol, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain, usually caused by lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries), and heart attack. When used for high blood pressure it is effective alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications, particularly with a thiazide-type water pill (diuretic). Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions.
Occasionally doctors prescribe Atenolol for treatment of alcohol withdrawal, prevention of migraine headache, and bouts of anxiety.
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Atenolol regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Atenolol; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Atenolol does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
- slow heartbeat;
- nausea;
- fatigue;
- visual disturbances;
- slower than normal heart beat (bradycardia);
- rash;
- narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands leading to periods of white painful hands (raynaud's disease).;
- headache;
- fatigue;
- dry mouth;
- dizziness;
- disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea constipation nausea vomiting or abdominal pain;
- cramping pain in the leg (calf) muscles on exertion (intermittent claudication).;
- cold extremities eg hands and feet;
- changes in mood;
- breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm);
- a drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension);
- dizziness;
ADULTS
Hypertension
The usual starting dose is 50 mg a day in 1 dose, alone or with a diuretic. Full effects should be seen in 1 to 2 weeks. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg per day in one dose. Your doctor can and may use Atenolol with other high blood pressure medications.
Angina Pectoris
The usual starting dose is 50 mg in 1 dose a day. Full effects should be seen in 1 week. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg per day. In some cases, a single dose of 200 mg per day may be given. Dosage will be individualized by your doctor.
Heart Attack
This medication may be used in the acute treatment of heart attack. Your doctor will determine the proper dosage.
If you have kidney problems, the doctor will start you with the lowest effective dose, usually 25 mg once a day up to a maximum of 50 mg daily.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Atenolol have not been established in children.
OLDER ADULTS
The doctor will determine the dosage for an older individual, according to his or her needs, especially in the case of reduced kidney function. The usual dosage range is 25 to 50 mg a day.
