CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Tenormin" belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. This means it blocks the action of two chemicals called adrenaline (a hormone carried in the blood) and noradrenaline (released from nerves in the heart) which control the heart rhythm. Generic "Tenormin" stops these chemicals from attaching themselves (binding) to sites on heart cells called beta-receptors. It reduces the heart rate and the force of heart muscle contraction and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate and the force of muscle contraction, atenolol reduces heart muscle oxygen demand.
Since angina occurs when the oxygen demand of the heart exceeds supply, Generic "Tenormin" is helpful in treating angina.
Active Ingredients: Atenolol
Inactive Ingredients: Povidone, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.
What is Generic "Tenormin" PRESCRIBED For?
Generic "Tenormin" is used to treat angina (chest pain caused by too little oxygen reaching the heart muscle) and high blood pressure (hypertension).
When used for high blood pressure it is effective alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications, particularly with a thiazide-type water pill (diuretic). Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions.
Occasionally doctors prescribe Generic "Tenormin" for treatment of alcohol withdrawal, prevention of migraine headache, and bouts of anxiety.
How Should I Take Generic "Tenormin"?
Generic "Tenormin" can be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses, especially if you are taking Generic "Tenormin" once a day. If this medication is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. Take this medication with a full glass of water. Take Generic "Tenormin" at the same time every day.
Store Generic "Tenormin" at room temperature away from light because Generic "Tenormin" contains the organic compounds of atenolol.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic "Tenormin"?
If you have heart failure, inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system (cardiogenic shock), heart block (conduction disorder), or a severely slow heartbeat, you should not take this medication. You'll also need to avoid it if it gives you an allergic reaction.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Never take 2 doses of Generic "Tenormin" at the same time. If you miss a dose of Generic "Tenormin", take it as soon as you remember. If it's within 8 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular dosage schedule.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Generic "Tenormin" overdose may include: Congestive heart failure, constricted airways, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, slow heartbeat, sluggishness, wheezing
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic "Tenormin"?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- slow or uneven heartbeats;
- feeling light-headed, fainting;
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
- swelling of your ankles or feet;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- depression;
- cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- tired feeling; or
- anxiety, nervousness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Tenormin"?
Before taking Generic "Tenormin", tell your doctor if you are using:
- allergy treatments (or if you are undergoing allergy skin-testing);
- clonidine (Catapres);
- guanabenz (Wytensin);
- an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam);
- a diabetes medication such as insulin, glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), or metformin (Glucophage);
- a heart medication such as nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), reserpine (Serpasil), verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem);
- medicine for asthma or other breathing disorders, such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine, Bricanyl), and theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair); or
- cold medicines, stimulant medicines, or diet pills.
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take Generic "Tenormin", or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Generic "Tenormin". Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Additional Information
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Generic "Tenormin" regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Generic "Tenormin"; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Generic "Tenormin" does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
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