Brand Name: Tenormin
Generic Name: atenolol
FDA Drug Clasification : antihypertensive, antianginal - Beta Blocker
Action: Blocks action of Beta -adrenergic receptor within vascular smooth muscle; decreases heart rate; decreases O2 consumption in myocardium (heart muscle). Used to lower blood pressure in mild to moderate hypertension, prevent anginal pain (chest pain)
Adverse Effects:
- low blood pressure, very low heart rate
- insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, depression, strange dreams
- nausea, diarrhea, vomiting ischemic colitis
- rash, fever, hair loss
- agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, purpura
- sore throat, dry eyes
- impotence
- low blood sugar when on insulin
- bronchospasm
Precautions: Do not use for patients with :
- cardiogenic shock
- 2nd or 3rd degree heart block
- sinus bradycardia (heart rate under 60 beats per min.
- cardiac failure
- pregnancy
- undergoing major surgery
- breastfeeding mothers
- diabetes
- renal disease
- thyroid disease
- CHF
- COPD
- asthma
- well-compensated heart failure
Possible Interactions:
- Increase hypertension (low blood pressure)and bradycardia; reserpine, hydralasine, methyldopa, prazosin, anticholinergics, digoxin, diltazem, verapamil, cardiac glycosides, antihypertensives
- Increased hypoglycemic effect (low blond sugar; insulin, oral diabetes medications
- increased effects of cough suppressants
