Tenormin

The active ingredient is atenolol. The mechanism of action of Tenormin is that it is a cardioselective beta-1 receptor blocker. It lowers your heart rate, reducing the amount of work your heart has to do to pump blood throughout your body. This reduces stress on the blood arteries, lowering blood pressure. Tenormin also increases blood flow to the heart, reducing chest discomfort.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tenormin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tenormin:

• Your blood pressure will need to be tested regularly.
• If you need surgery, notify the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Tenormin. You may need to stop taking the medication for a brief period.
• Continue taking the medication as prescribed, and notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
• You should not stop taking Tenormin abruptly. Stopping immediately may worsen your chest pain, heart attack (myocardial infarction), or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• If you're being treated for high blood pressure, keep taking this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.
• Your disease may require a combination of medications. Take all drugs as prescribed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with each drug. Do not change your doses or prescription schedule without consulting your doctor first.

The most common side effects of Tenormin include:

• Dizziness.
• Tiredness.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Trouble breathing.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Lightheadedness.
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tenormin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of worsening heart failure: shortness of breath, unexpected swelling, weariness, and abrupt weight gain.
• Bronchospasm symptoms: chest pain, problems breathing, wheezing, coughing, disorientation, and excessive weariness.
• Allergic reaction: skin rash, hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, tongue, or throat.
• Hides symptoms of low blood sugar or high thyroid hormone levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tenormin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tenormin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if any of the following apply:

• Congestive heart failure or heart block.
• Coronary artery disease or heart disease.
• Asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Diabetes.
• A hyperactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Liver disease or kidney disease.
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor).
• Raynaud's syndrome.
• Allergies (or if you are currently receiving allergy treatments or skin tests).
• Are allergic to atenolol
• Have a severe heart problem like "AV block" (second or third degree).
• If you need to have surgery, you may need to temporarily stop taking Tenormin.
• Tenormin can create negative effects that affect your ability to think and react. Be cautious if you are driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and aware.
• Tenormin is simply one component of a comprehensive hypertension treatment plan, which may also include diet, exercise, and weight management.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue to take this medicine even if you are feeling fine. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.
• Taking Tenormin with blood pressure drugs called calcium channel blockers may cause your blood pressure to be too low.

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According to studies, atenolol can begin to reduce exercise tachycardia (fast heart rate) within an hour of taking the medication. The effect on heart rate will become more obvious from 2 to 4 hours after a dose. However, if you are taking atenolol for blood pressure, you may not notice the full benefits of the medication for 1 to 2 weeks after starting.

When Tenormin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Digoxin.
• Indomethacin.
• Epinephrine.
• Diuretics, “water pills”.
• Other beta-blockers (metoprolol).
• Heart or blood pressure medications such as amiodarone, clonidine, diltiazem, disopyramide, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, verapamil, and others.

High Blood Pressure:

Adults: The typical starting dose is 50 mg taken orally once daily. If your blood pressure has to be reduced more, your doctor will increase your dose every few weeks. The highest recommended dosage is 100 mg once daily.

For adults experiencing chest pain (angina), a normal starting dose is 50 mg taken orally once daily. If you require more control over your chest discomfort, your provider will increase your dose within a week. The usual maintenance dose is 100 mg once per day. The highest dosage is 200 mg once daily.

Following a heart attack:

Adults: After a heart attack, a trained practitioner will normally administer atenolol (Tenormin) as an intravenous (IV) injection. Following that, the normal dose is 100 mg by mouth once daily, or 50 mg by mouth twice daily, as advised by your practitioner.

Store Tenormin at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

AstraZeneca is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tenormin.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Do not stop taking Tenormin suddenly as this could worsen your symptoms. Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider first.

Tenormin should not be used during pregnancy since it can cause low blood sugar or slow heart rate to your unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during treatment, contact your doctor right away. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

This medication can pass through breast milk and cause low blood sugar or slow heart rate in your breastfed baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend the best way to feed your baby.