Tenormin (Atenolol)

What is Tenormin?

Tenormin (atenolol) belongs to a family of drugs known as beta-blockers. It is a synthetic, beta₁-selective (cardioselective) adrenoreceptor blocking agent.

What is Tenormin used for?

Tenormin is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension, and chest pain (angina). It is also used to prevent or treat heart attack.

How does Tenormin work?

Tenormin works by blocking action of certain natural chemicals in the body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels.  This reduces high blood pressure, heart rate, and lowers strain on the heart.

How to use Tenormin

Tenormin should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Tenormin.

Tenormin warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to atenolol or if you are suffering from certain heart problems such as heart block or slow heartbeats. 

Prior to taking Tenormin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, low blood pressure, diabetes, depression, sick sinus syndrome, congestive heart failure, thyroid disorder, circulation problems such as Raynaud's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, or myasthenia gravis.

Tell your doctor about the use of this drug, in advance, if you have to undergo any kind of surgery. You may be required to stop taking the medicine for a while. Avoid drinking alcohol and performing activities that require alertness.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Tenormin dose?

If you have missed your Tenormin dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose or your next dose is less than 8 hours away.

What do I do if I have taken a Tenormin overdose?

If you have taken a Tenormin overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Tenormin interactions

Before taking Tenormin, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like clonidine (Catapres), disopyramide (Norpace), digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), guanabenz (Wytensin), an MAOI such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) or phenelzine (Nardil); diabetes medication such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), metformin (Glucophage), or chlorpropamide (Diabinese); medicines for heart such as reserpine (Serpasil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin); cold medicines, stimulant medicines, or diet pills; medicines for asthma or other breathing disorders such as bitolterol (Tornalate), albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), terbutaline (Brethine, Brethaire, Bricanyl), pirbuterol (Maxair), and theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair); or if you are undergoing allergy skin-testing or treatments.

Do not start taking any

Tenormin side effects

Tenormin side effects include hives, breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Slow or uneven heartbeats, feeling short of breath, depression, fainting, swelling in feet or ankles, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach ache, clay-colored stools, dark urine, cold feeling in hands and feet, low fever, and jaundice are also side effects from Tenormin. If you get any of these side effects after using Tenormin, contact your doctor right away.

Nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, tired feeling, impotence, decreased sex drive, and difficulty having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Tenormin.