Atenolol is a drug in the class of beta-blockers, drugs used primarily in treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Atenolol's development was for hypertension, and it was created as a replacement for propranolol. Atenolol's primary mechanism is to slow the heart, reducing the total amount of work it does.

Atenolol is sometimes combined with diuretics, vasodilators, central alpha-agonists, and sometimes calcium-agonists in order to achieve the desired control of arterial hypertension. It can also be combined with more than one of the four at times, although its use with calcium-agonists is controversial.

Atenolol's side effects include indigestion, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, coldness in the extremities, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, sinus congestion, depression, confusion, sleeping difficulties, nightmares and fatigue.WebMD: Atenolol, SpringerLink: CNS-related side-effects with metoprolol and atenololPDF

Standard dosages of atenolol for angina are 50-100 mg once daily. For acute myocardial infarctions, treatment is 100 mg daily for 6-9 days, with the option of two 5mg injections 10 minutes apart at the time of the infarction.MedicineNet: Atenolol

More unusual side effects include hallucinations, hypotension, adverse skin reactions, visual disturbances and difficulty hearing or speaking.WebMD: Atenolol, SpringerLink: CNS-related side-effects with metoprolol and atenololPDF

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Atenolol (Tenormin).

• Alive: Diet, Exercise And Supplements Help Keep Your Heart Young

• HolisticOnline.com: Alternative and Complementary Remedies for Hypertension

• MotherNature.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

• • This page was created by Carrie, a Part Time Guide in the Mahalo Greenhouse (see the original), and curated by Daryn.

• If you'd like to help us create the best spam free search results on the Internet, apply to be a Part Time Guide!</em>