TENORMIN (ATENOLOL)

Tenormin Description

Tenormin may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of hypertension, angina, or post myocardial infarction. Out of these three conditions, hypertension (high blood pressure) is the one that can sneak up on you as it has very few symptoms to indicate that you are at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. If you have unsuccessfully tried other medications to lower your blood pressure or you cannot tolerate certain drugs for this condition, your doctor may recommend Tenormin.

Angina could be a warning sign that you may experience a heart attack if the pain is due to a blockage in your arteries. Post myocardial infarction means you have already had at least one heart attack so your doctor may recommend taking Tenormin to help prevent having another heart attack. Tenormin is to stop angina pain from occurring, not to stop the pain once it has begun.

Here is What You Can Expect from Tenormin

When taken as directed Tenormin works as a beta blocker. This means it will block the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline which are natural hormones produced in your body. Adrenaline is a key player that prepares your body for “fight or flight” as a response to stress or sudden action. It does this by increasing your heart rate, increasing your blood pressure, expanding the airways of your lungs, dilating your pupils, sending more blood to your muscles, and gets you all fired up!

Noradrenaline is less energetic and releases a low level of continuous activity. Once Tenormin or generic Atenolol takes effect and the actions of these hormones are blocked, your heart rate is reduced, your blood pressure goes down, and everything becomes calmer. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Tenormin

Hypertension is a result of the intense force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. Unless you are diagnosed and treated for hypertension, your arteries could sustain permanent damage or worse. Some people are able to lower their blood pressure by adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Angina is pain you experience in your chest area that alerts you that your heart is not receiving enough blood to pump to the other organs and tissues in your body. This usually happens with physical exertion like climbing stairs or working out.

Before You Take Tenormin

Inform your doctor before taking Tenormin if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as it may be harmful to an unborn or nursing baby. Describe other conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you are taking, including herbal and vitamin supplements. Your doctor can then determine if Tenormin is safe for you to take or if there needs to be any dosage adjustments done.

What You Should be Aware of When Taking Tenormin

If you are diabetic, monitor your glucose levels regularly as Tenormin may dull any warnings signs that your blood sugar is low. It could take a week or so before you notice the full benefit of Tenormin. If you fail to notice any improvements at all after this time, revisit your doctor and discuss whether a dose adjustment is needed.

Possible Side Effects of Tenormin

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Deceased libido
• Slow heart rate