Atenolol 100mg

Antihypertensive/antianginal Agent, Blocks Beta 1 adrenergic receptors with little effect on Beta 2 except at high dosages

“ALERT: US Boxed Warning

Cessation of therapy:

Advise patients with coronary artery disease who are being treated with atenolol against abrupt discontinuation of therapy. Severe exacerbation of angina and the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in patients with angina following the abrupt discontinuation of therapy with beta-blockers. The last 2 complications may occur with or without preceding exacerbation of the angina pectoris. As with other beta-blockers, when discontinuation of atenolol is planned, observe the patient carefully and advise the patient to limit physical activity to a minimum. If the angina worsens or acute coronary insufficiency develops, it is recommended that atenolol be promptly reinstituted, at least temporarily. Because coronary artery disease is common and may be unrecognized, it may be prudent not to discontinue atenolol therapy abruptly, even in patients treated only for hypertension.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Beta 1 receptor is activated by adrenaline and is involved with cardiac output by increasing the volume of each pump as well as increasing the heart rate.  Atenolol/Tenormin works by blocking this receptor and has the reverse effect thereby reducing heart rate and stroke volume.

Atenolol/Tenormin is officially indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction.  It is commonly prescribed off-label for atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, thyrotoxicosis, and ventricular arrhythmia.

Before starting Atenolol/Tenormin make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have a low resting heart rate, asthma or other bronchospastic disease, cardiac conduction abnormalities, heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, peripheral vascular disease, hyperthyroidism, or if pregnant/breastfeeding

25-200 mg divided into one or two daily dosages depending on condition it is used for, tolerance to side effects, and patient response.

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature

You Need to Avoid: Careful standing up too quickly as you may get dizzy.
Do not stop this medication abruptly to avoid rebound tachycardia, hypertension and in severe cases angina, heart attack, or arrhythmia.

Hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, bradycardia (low heart rate), ventricular tachycardia, cold extremities

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only common ones

1. Why am I so tired since starting this medication?
   It is a common side effect that is not harmful and after 2 weeks or so it should subside as it adjusts to the medication.  It is important to try and give the medication at least 2 weeks if fatigue is an issue as it usually will resolve.  If side effects are intolerable speak to your physician, do not discontinue medication without their consent as this can be a vital medication to take for many conditions.
2. Why does exercise exhaust me so much more since starting this medication?
   Blocking cardiac output can lower your exercise tolerance as the heart cannot pump as hard or fast as it used to in response to exercise.  This is normal and helps protect the heart from overworking itself in many cardiac conditions.  If using for a non cardiac condition it is then a side effect that if intolerable should be discussed with your physician.