What is Tenormin (Atenolol) used for?

Tenormin (Atenolol) is an oral medication prescribed to treat patients with hypertension, angina, or irregular heartbeats. It is a beta-blocker that operates by slowing the heart rate to lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of strain placed on the heart. This action may also make it useful for improving the chances of survival following a heart attack. Your physician may prescribe it for other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Tenormin (Atenolol)?

Use Tenormin (Atenolol) according to your physician's instructions to get the most effective results from treatment. The normal dosage is one tablet taken once or twice each day, but your particular instructions will be determined by the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and may be taken with or without food. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets before use to avoid unintentionally destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your physician or pharmacist any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Tenormin (Atenolol)?

The use of Tenormin (Atenolol) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Drowsiness
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or trouble having an orgasm

More serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are unsteadiness, faintness, irregular heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unusual swelling, cold sensations, darkened urine, discolored stools, or jaundice. Contact your physician as soon as you experience any unusual or intense symptoms to make sure the correct adjustments are made to your dosage or application frequency to prevent further complications from occurring.

Please Note

Tenormin (Atenolol) should not be used by patients who are children or who have uncontrolled heart failure, peripheral arterial disorders, cardiogenic shock, slowed heart rate, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block, metabolic acidosis, or an untreated tumor affecting the adrenal gland. Also inform your physician if you are elderly or have diabetes, a history of heart failure, a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, psoriasis, a history of allergies, hypoglycemia, myasthenia gravis, 1st degree heart block, an overactive thyroid gland, decreased liver function, or decreased kidney function. These conditions may cause unexpected health problems requiring special adjustments to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Tenormin (Atenolol). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.