Tenormin

Tenormin is 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 -- this lowers the heart rate and blood pressure and decreases the workload of the heart. Regular use can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure. Possible side effects include depression, dizziness, and tiredness.

 

What Is Tenormin?

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

Who Makes It?

Tenormin is made by IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and is marketed and distributed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
 

What Is It Used For?

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

How Does Tenormin 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 work by blocking 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, the drug 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.
 
Tenormin is a beta-1 selective (or cardioselective) beta blocker. This means that it mostly blocks beta-1 receptors, especially at normal doses. However, it can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs to some extent, especially at higher dosages. This can lead to breathing problems, especially in people with asthma or other similar conditions.
 

Clinical 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, the drug can increase 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 the following:
 
  • Tenormin comes in the form of a tablet and is usually taken once a day. It can be taken with or without food.
     
  • Be sure to take your dose at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
     
  • For Tenormin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication 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 Information

The dose of Tenormin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • 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 of Tenormin

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Tenormin. However, not everyone who takes it will experience problems. If 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 side effects include:
 
(Click Tenormin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious problems to look out for.)
 
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Tenormin can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see 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:
 
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, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Overdose on Tenormin?

People who take too much Tenormin may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
 
  • Extremely low blood pressure
  • A severe decrease in heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Difficulty breathing.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Atenolol Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods for Tenormin

The medication should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
 
Keep this 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 dose as scheduled, take your missed 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.
 

Available 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 (see 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;