• 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.
    1. Pronounced a-TEN-oh-lol
    2. Generic: Atenolol
    3. Brand: Tenormin
    4. Class: Beta selective (cardioselective) adrenoreceptor-blocking agent (Beta blocker)
    5. Treats: high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmia
  • Combinations

    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.
  • Side Effects

    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
  • Dosage

    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
  • Rare and Serious Side Effects

    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
  • Disclaimer

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

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