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Back to Cardiology Drug index
Brand Name: Tenormin
Name: Atenolol
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes of Tenormin
Beta-adrenergic blocking agent (á1 selective)
Antihypertensive drug
Mechanism of action of Tenormin
Competitively blocks beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and juxtoglomerular
apparatus. They lead to decreased heart rate decreasing the work load
by the heart. They do not produce coronary vasodilatation but lead to
a shift and redistribution of coronary circulation to the ischemic areas.
It decreases the release of renin from the kidney, thus lowering blood
pressure.
Indications of Tenormin
Treatment of
angina pectoris due to
coronary atherosclerosis
Hypertension, as a step 1 agent, alone
or with other drugs, especially
diuretics
Treatment of
myocardial infarction
Unlabeled uses: prevention of
migraine headaches; alcohol withdrawal
syndrome, treatment of ventricular arrhythmias
Contraindications of Tenormin
Contraindicated in the presence of
sinus bradycardia,
second- or third-degree
heart block,
cardiogenic shock,
CHF.
Use caution in the presence of
renal failure,
diabetes or
thyrotoxicosis
(atenolol can mask the usual cardiac signs of hypoglycemia and thyrotoxicosis),
lactation.
Adverse effects of Tenormin
CNS: Dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus,
fatigue, emotional depression, paresthesias, sleep disturbances, hallucinations,
disorientation, memory loss, slurred speech
GI: Gastric pain, flatulence,
constipation,
diarrhea,
nausea,
vomiting, anorexia, ischemic colitis, renal
and mesenteric arterial thrombosis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, hepatomegaly,
acute pancreatitis
CV:
Bradycardia,
CHF,
cardiac arrhythmias,
sinoartial or AV nodal block,
tachycardia, peripheral vascular insufficiency, claudication, CVA,
pulmonary edema, hypotension
Respiratory: Bronchospasm,
dyspnea,
cough, bronchial
obstruction, nasal stuffiness, rhinitis,
pharyngitis (less likely than
with propranolol)
GU:
Impotence, decreased libido, Peyronie's
disease, dysuria, nocturia, frequent urination
MS: Joint pain, arthralgia, muscle
cramp
EENT: Eye irritation, dry eyes, conjunctivitis,
blurred vision
Dermatologic: Rash,
pruritus, sweating,
dry skin
Allergic
reactions:
Pharyngitis, erythematous rash,
fever, laryngospasm, respiratory distress
Other: Decreased exercise tolerance,
development of antinuclear antibodies, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia,
elevated serum transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and
LDH
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