Tenormin

What is it?

A cardioselective 8-blocker, atenolol, available as film-coated tablets in 2 strengths, both containing atenolol. White, containing 25mg, marked with TENORMIN, 25 and S and orange, containing 100mg, marked with TENORMIN and S. Also, TENORMIN LS, available as scored, film-coated, orange tablets containing 50mg of atenolol. Also, TENORMIN SYRUP, a lemon-lime flavoured, sugar-free syrup containing 25mg of atenolol per 5ml. Also, TENORMIN INJECTION, a solution in ampoules containing 0.5mg of atenolol per ml in 10ml ampoules.

Medical Uses

Oral preparations, cardiac arrhythmias, early treatment of heart attack, angina, high blood pressure. Injection, heart attack only.

Dosage

Adults, oral preparations, 50 to 100mg each day, reduced for the elderly or where there is reduced kidney function. Injection, according to manufacturer's literature by infusion or slow intravenous injection.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, poor cerebral blood supply, history of bronchospasm, those undergoing anaesthesia; patients with weak hearts should be treated with digitalis and diuretics. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with asthma, heart diseases including heart block, heart shock, slow heartbeat rate, heart failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressants, anaesthetics, reserpine, sedatives, class II calcium antagonists, anti- hypertensives, sympathomimetics, cimetidine, indomethacin, ergot- amine, class I antiarrhythmic drugs, verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, hypoglycaemics, rifampicin, warfarin, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Sleep disturbance, cold feet and hands, slow heartbeat, fatigue on exercise, wheeziness, heart failure, gastro-intestinal disorders; dry eyes or skin rash (stop use gradually), hair loss, low blood pressure, thrombocytopenia (abnormal decline in blood platelets causing increased likelihood of bleeding).