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Atehexal

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Generic Name: Atenolol
Product Name: Atehexal

Indication

  • Hypertension
  • Angina
  • Tachyarrhythmias
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Prevention of migraine

Action

  • Atenolol, a type of beta-1-selective-beta-Blocker, competitively blocks beta- adrenoceptors in the heart, peripheral vasculature, bronchi, pancreas, uterus, kidney, brain and liver.
  • The antihypertensive effect works by reducing cardiac output without reflex increase in peripheral vascular resistance; CNS effect and reduced renin secretionmay also contribute.
  • The antianginal effect is due to reductionin left ventricular work and oxygen use, resulting from decrease in heart rate and contractility.
  • The antiarrhythmic properties are due to antisympathetic effects: depression ofsinus node function and atrio-ventricular conduction and prolongation of atrial refractory periods.
  • Atenolol, a beta-1-selective blocker, has a higher affinity for beta-1 receptors in the heart with less effect on beta-2 receptorsin bronchi and peripheral vasculature.

Dose advice

Hypertension, angina, migraine prevention:

  • Oral: 25-100mg once daily

Tachyarrhthmias:

  • Oral: 50-100mg once daily
  • IV: 2.5mg (1mg/minute), repeate after 5 minutes if required
  • IV infusion: 0.15mg/kg over 20 minutes; repeat after 12 hours if necessary

Myocardial infarction:

  • Initially, IV 5-10mg (1mg/minute), followed by 50mg orally 15 minutes and12 hours later; then 100mg once daily for2 days.
  • Maintenance, oral 50mg daily

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Bronchospasm
  • Dyspnoea
  • Cold extremities
  • Exacerbation of Raynaud’s Syndrome
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Heart failure
  • Heart block
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Abnormal vision
  • Decreased concentration
  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Nightmares
  • Depression
  • Altered glucose and lipid metabolism

Uncommon side effects

  • Rash
  • Exacerbation of psoriasis
  • Impotence
  • Muscle cramp
  • Acute urinary retention
  • Nasal congestion
  • Hypersensitivity reaction
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Liver function abnormality
  • Alopecia
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Hepatic injury

For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 19 March, 2016


Created by: myVMC