Tenormin is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Tenormin is a treatment against hypertension, angina and can be also useful to slow and regulate certain types of abnormally rapid heart rates (tachycardias). Sometimes Tenormin is advised for prevention of migraine headaches and the treatment of certain types of tremors (familial or hereditary essential tremors).
Take your dose before meals or at bedtime.
As for its action, Tenormin stops the action of the sympathetic nervous system, a portion of the involuntary nervous system which in its turn stimulates the pace of the heart beat. With the help of blocking the action of these nerves, Tenormin lowers down the heart rate and is helpful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Tenormin also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and lowers blood pressure. By the things mentioned above, Tenormin reduces heart muscle oxygen demand. Tenormin is useful in treating angina, because angina occurs when oxygen demand of the heart exceeds supply.
Keep on taking the medication even if you feel recovered and do not miss any doses. If you miss to take a dose, do it as soon as you discover it but only if it is not less than 8 hours before the next dose according to the schedule. If it is less than 8 hours before the next dose skip the one to return to the regular scheme. Do not double the dose unless you were told to do so by your doctor.
Store Tenormin tablets at room temperature in the tightly closed container.
If your doctor has directed to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so. Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for help if you are not sure how to properly measure your blood pressure or pulse. Several lifestyle changes may also help reduce your blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about appropriate diet and exercise programs that may helpful to recover. Do not share this medicine with the people for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine to treat other health conditions. Store it out of the reach of children. If you use this medicine for long of time, obtain refills before the time your supply runs out.
Tenormin Safety information
Atenolol can worsen breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In case when a patient suffers from existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), Tenormin can cause dangerously slow heart rates, and even shock.
Atenolol can disguise the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution when a patient is receiving treatment for diabetes. It does not form habit. Do not take this medication if you have had an allergic reaction to it or to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop taking this medicine without consult your doctor. Some conditions may be worsened when the medicine is suddenly stopped. You may require to slowly lower your dose to avoid side effects.
Tenormin reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can result in symptoms of heart failure. If you use calcium channel blockers, and digoxin (Lanoxin) together with Tenormin they can cause lowering of blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. If a patient suffers from coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping Tenormin can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to seize taking Tenormin, its dosage can be reduced gradually over several weeks.
Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. In case that you should have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine in advance. This medicine can lead to drowsiness or dizziness. Until you know your reaction towards the medication, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous. Tell the doctor that you are using this medicine before having any allergy tests or shots. This medicine can increase your reaction to the allergy shot to a serious one.
This medicine penetrates in breast milk: if you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. If a patient suffers from diabetes mellitus: this medicine may disguise signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate. Check the level of blood glucose regularly.
Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This concerns any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. It is advisable to use this medicine in the elderly with caution because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. For women: this medicine has been proved to cause harm to the human fetus. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, if you plan on becoming pregnant.
Tenormin Side effects
Atenolol is generally well tolerated. Possible (but unlikely) side effects are mild and momentary. Infrequent side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, dreaming, memory loss, fever, impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing.
