Prescription:

Tenormin (Atenolol) is primarily used (alone or in combination with other medications) to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and reduce the symptoms of angina (chest pain). It can also be used to protect the heart and prevent further damage after a heart attack, to prevent migraine headaches, treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, treat heart failure, irregular heartbeat conditions (e.g. atrial fibrillation) and for tremours.

Tenormin (Atenolol) is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Tenormin tablets, Tenormin LS tablets, Tenormin syrup and Tenormin injection contain the active ingredient atenolol, which is a type of drug called a beta-blocker. Atenolol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.) Beta-blockers work by blocking beta receptors that are found in various parts of the body. Blocking beta receptors prevents the action of two chemicals, called noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are produced naturally by the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals, because they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations. Beta receptors are found in the heart. When they are blocked by atenolol the heart is made to beat more slowly and with less force. This reduces the pressure at which the blood is pumped out of the heart and around the body. This in turn reduces blood pressure, which means that atenolol can be used to treat high blood pressure. It also reduces the energy used by the heart to pump blood around the body, and so reduces the heart's need for oxygen, which means it can also be used in the management of angina. Angina is chest pain that occurs because the heart does not get enough oxygen to meet demand, such as when doing exercise. Atenolol reduces the workload of the heart and so decreases its demand for oxygen. This helps to prevent attacks of angina. Slowing the heart rate helps to control abnormal heart beats called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Atenolol corrects the abnormal heart beat and thus can be used to treat arrhythmias. Atenolol has also been shown to reduce the damage to the heart if taken in the period shortly following a heart attack. This decreases the likelihood of having a further heart attack and lowers the risk of continued illness and death.

Treatments

* Angina pectoris * High blood pressure * Irregular heart beats * Prevention of further heart attacks following an initial heart attack

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Headache * Slower than normal heart beat * Dry mouth * Changes in mood * Fatigue * Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Visual disturbances * Dizziness * Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways * A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness * Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands leading to periods of white, painful hands. * Cramping pain in the leg muscles on exertion. * Rash * Cold extremities, eg hands and feet