Tenormin is a medication whose active ingredient is atenolol. It is also known by its generic name Atenolol. Tenormin is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). It helps to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
The general market rate for Tenormin varies from £0.25 to £0.67 per pills. Determining factors include the size of the packaging and the potency of its components (60 or 360 mg).
Tenormin
Atenolol
Beta-blocker
Atenolol works by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This decreases the heart rate and force of contraction, leading to reduced oxygen demand by the myocardium. It also reduces renin production in the kidneys, further lowering blood pressure.
Tenormin is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It is also prescribed for angina pectoris and for reducing the risk of mortality following a myocardial infarction.
Tenormin is available in tablet form, typically in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The medication is taken orally.
Administer Tenormin orally with or without food. Accurate dosing is crucial. Follow prescribed dosages strictly.
For hypertension, the initial dose often starts at 50 mg once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on the patient’s response. For angina, the starting dose is usually 50 mg once daily, which may be increased if needed.
The maintenance dose for hypertension typically ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg once daily. For managing angina, patients usually maintain on 50 mg to 200 mg daily.
Adjustments in dosage might be required for elderly patients or those with renal impairments. For severe renal impairment, the dosing frequency is often extended to every other day.
For patients with creatinine clearance of 15-35 ml/min/1.73 m², the recommended dose is 50 mg every other day. For those with clearance rates below 15 ml/min/1.73 m², the dosage is adjusted to 50 mg every fourth day.
Tenormin may interact with other medications like calcium channel blockers, other antihypertensives, and drugs that influence heart function. Combined use with NSAIDs may reduce its hypotensive effects.
Do not use Tenormin in patients with severe bradycardia, second or third-degree heart block, cardiogenic shock, or overt cardiac failure. It’s also contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to atenolol.
Tenormin is absorbed rapidly but incompletely from the gastrointestinal tract with an absorption rate of approximately 50%. It has a half-life of 6-7 hours and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.
Store Tenormin tablets at controlled room temperature, between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Patients should monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Renal function tests might be required periodically for those with renal impairment receiving long-term treatment.
Tenormin crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk. Its use is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Caution is advised when administered to breastfeeding mothers.
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of Tenormin. Close monitoring and possible dose adjustments are advised in this population.
Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and cold extremities. Less commonly, it may cause bradycardia, hypotension, and gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and diarrhea.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, and acute cardiac failure. Immediate medical attention is required.
Abrupt discontinuation of Tenormin may cause exacerbation of angina and increase the risk of myocardial infarction. Dose tapering is recommended when discontinuing.
Alternative drugs include other beta-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol and different classes of antihypertensives like ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
Patients should be informed about the importance of adherence to the prescribed dosage. Advise them to avoid sudden discontinuation of the medication.
Tenormin exhibits selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocking activity in the heart, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and cardiac output.