Details About Generic Salt ::  Atenolol

Main Medicine Class:: Beta-adrenergic blocker   

(ah-TEN-oh-lahl)

Tenormin,  APO-Atenol, Gen-Atenolol, Med-Atenolol, Novo-Atenol, Nu-Atenol, Schein Pharm Atenolol, Taro Atenolol, Tenolin, Tenormin

Class: Beta-adrenergic blocker

Drugs Class ::

 Action Blocks beta receptors, primarily affecting heart (slows rate), vascular system (decreases BP) and, to lesser extent, lungs (reduces function).

Indications for Drugs ::

 Indications Treatment of hypertension (used alone or in combination with other drugs), angina pectoris resulting from coronary atherosclerosis, acute MI. Unlabeled use(s): Migraine prophylaxis, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, supraventricular arrhythmias or tachycardias, esophageal varices rebleeding, anxiety.

Drug Dose ::

 Route/Dosage

Hypertension

ADULTS: PO 50 to 100 mg/day.

Angina Pectoris

May require up to 200 mg/day.

Acute MIIV 5 mg over 5 min; second IV Follow with dose 10 min later. PO 50 to 100 mg/day.

Contraindication ::

 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to beta-blockers; sinus bradycardia; greater than first-degree heart block; CHF unless secondary to tachyarrhythmia treatable with beta-blockers; overt cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock.

Drug Precautions ::

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk. Children: Safety not established. Anaphylaxis: Deaths have occurred; aggressive therapy may be required. CHF: Administer cautiously in patients with CHF controlled by digitalis and diuretics. Diabetes mellitus: May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (eg, tachycardia, BP changes). Elderly: Dosage reduction may be necessary. Nonallergic bronchospastic diseases (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema): In general, do not give beta-blockers to patients with bronchospastic diseases. Peripheral vascular disease: May precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency. Thyrotoxicosis: May mask clinical signs (eg, tachycardia) of developing or continuing hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including thyroid storm. Renal/Hepatic impairment: Reduce dose.

Drug Side Effects ::

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Hypotension; bradycardia; CHF; cold extremities; second- or third-degree heart block. CNS: Insomnia; fatigue; dizziness; depression; lethargy; drowsiness; forgetfulness; slurred speech. DERM: Rash; hives; fever; alopecia. EENT: Dry eyes; blurred vision; tinnitus; dry mouth; sore throat. GI: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea. GU: GU:Impotence; painful, difficult or frequent urination. HEMA: Agranulocytosis; thrombocytopenic purpura. HEPA: Elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. RESP: Bronchospasm; dyspnea; wheezing. OTHER: Weight changes; facial swelling; muscle weakness; hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia; antinuclear antibodies; hyperlipidemia.

Drug Mode of Action ::  

 Action Blocks beta receptors, primarily affecting heart (slows rate), vascular system (decreases BP) and, to lesser extent, lungs (reduces function).

Drug Interactions ::

 Interactions

Ampicillin: May impair antihypertensive and antianginal effects. Clonidine: May add to or reverse antihypertensive effects; potentially life-threatening situations may occur, especially on withdrawal. NSAIDs: Some agents may impair antihypertensive effect. Prazosin: May increase orthostatic hypotension. Verapamil: Effects of both drugs may be increased.

Drug Assesment ::

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any allergies. Note diabetes; respiratory, liver, or cardiac disease, or sensitivity to other beta-blockers.
• Review baseline ECG.
• Assess BP and pulse before administration. If pulse is < 60 bpm, withhold medication and notify physician.
• Monitor I&O and daily weight during therapy for signs of fluid retention.
• If sudden severe dyspnea or edema of hands and feet develops, withhold medication and notify physician.
• If chest pain occurs, assess for location, intensity, duration, and radiation. Nitroglycerin preparations may be administered in conjunction with this medication if ordered.
• If patient experiences chest pain not relieved by medication, continue medication and notify physician.
• If there are changes in the ECG (eg, long PR interval, low- or high-grade heart blocks, ventricular ectopic beats), withhold dose and notify physician.

Drug Storage/Management ::

 Administration/Storage

• May be administered with or without food.
• If patient has difficulty swallowing, tablet may be crushed and mixed with fluid.
• Store in a tightly-closed container in a cool location.

Drug Notes ::

 Patient/Family Education

• Explain that full effectiveness of drug may not occur for up to 1 to 2 wk after initiation of therapy, and that dosage will be tapered slowly before stopping. Warn that sudden discontinuation can cause chest pain or heart attack.
• Teach patient how to take pulse and instruct patient to check before taking drug. Warn patient not to take drug if pulse is < 60 bpm, and to call physician.
• When medication is being used for treatment of hypertension, teach patient how to take BP and advise patient to take daily.
• Advise patient that medication may cause increased sensitivity to cold.
• Inform diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose level carefully. It may be necessary to alter insulin dose while taking drug.
• Inform patient that frequent follow-up appointments with physician are important to adjust medication dosage.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to physician: Difficulty breathing, swelling of feet, legs, and hands, irregular heart beat, altered mood or depression.
• Caution patient to avoid sudden position changes to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness, and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Caution patient not to take otc medications without consulting physician.

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.