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How does it work?Atenix tablets contain the active ingredient atenolol, which is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. (NB. Atenolol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) 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.
What is it used for?
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Angina pectoris
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High blood pressure
- Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)
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Prevention of further heart attacks following an initial heart attack
Warning!
- There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.
- This medicine may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar such as increased heart rate, tremor and nausea.
People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar.
- This medicine may mask the symptoms of the condition caused by an excess of thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis).
- Individuals with kidney failure undergoing haemodialysis should take their dose of this medicine following dialysis, under hospital supervision, as it may cause a large fall in blood pressure.
- You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly, except on your doctor's advice, particularly if you have heart disease caused by poor blood flow to the heart (ischaemic heart disease).
Use with caution in
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A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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History of asthma or wheezing
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Heart failure
- Slowed conduction of electrical messages between the chambers of the heart (1st degree heart block)
- Conditions with disturbance of blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities
- Decreased kidney function
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Diabetes
- History of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Not to be used in
- A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)
- Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)
- Serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (2nd or 3rd degree heart block)
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Uncontrolled heart failure
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Conditions with severe disturbance of blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities
- Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
- Untreated tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine should be used with caution in pregnancy, particularly in the first and second trimesters. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Label warnings
- Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.
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