Tenormin

Tenormin is a prescription medicine licensed to treat high blood pressure, angina, and other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. The medicine works by blocking a specific type of beta receptor, which lowers the heart rate and blood pressure; it also decreases the workload of the heart. By lowering blood pressure, Tenormin can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure. Possible side effects of this medication include depression, dizziness, and tiredness.

 

What Is Tenormin?

Tenormin® (atenolol) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called beta blockers.
 

Who Makes Tenormin?

The medication is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

What Is It Used For?

Tenormin has been licensed to treat a number of conditions.
 These uses include:
 
Tenormin does not cure high blood pressure or angina.
 
The medication may also be recommended for other reasons, such as treatment for migraines or anxiety. It has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Tenormin Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Tenormin is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
 
Tenormin helps to block a specific type of beta receptor called beta-1 receptors. By blocking beta-1 receptors, Tenormin causes the reverse effect of these stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
 

Effects

By lowering blood pressure, Tenormin can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). By decreasing the workload of the heart, it can also decrease symptoms of angina, including chest pain. Finally, although the exact mechanism is not known, it can increase the survival in people who have just had a heart attack.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take this medication include:
 
  • Tenormin comes in the form of a tablet that can be taken with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
     
  • Tenormin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
     
  • For the drug to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • You should not stop taking Tenormin without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Stopping it abruptly increases the risk of serious side effects (see Tenormin Precautions and Warnings).
     

Dosing

The dose of Tenormin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to Tenormin.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Tenormin Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of Tenormin. However, not everyone who takes it will experience problems. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common Tenormin side effects include:
 
(Click Tenormin Side Effects to learn about the possible side effects of this medication, as well as other less common but more serious problems to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
 

Drug Interactions With Tenormin

Tenormin can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Tenormin Drug Interactions for more information.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Tenormin if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Atenolol in Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Tenormin Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Overdose

People who take too much Tenormin may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
 
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Atenolol Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods for Tenormin

The medication should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Tenormin tablets should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
 
Keep Tenormin and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Tenormin as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose of Tenormin.
 

Strengths

Tenormin comes in a number of strengths, including:
 
  • Tenormin 25 mg
  • Tenormin 50 mg
  • Tenormin 100 mg.
     

Generic Tenormin

Tenormin is available as a generic medicine.
 
(Click Generic Tenormin for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;