TENOCARD

Atenolol

Composition:

Round tablet, each containing Atenolol BP 50 mg.

Uses:

1. Management of hypertension.

2. Management of angina pectoris.

3. Management of cardiac disrhythmias.

4. Myocardial infarction: early intervention in the acute phase.

Properties:

Tenocard tablets contain Atenolol, which is a cardioselective, beta-1 adrenergic blocking agent, preferably in the heart.

The cardioselective property of Atenolol led to a reduced incidence of some side effects, such as bronchospasm, which are common with the nonselective beta adrenoceptor blocking agents (e.g. propranolol).

Tenocard is effective for at least 24 hours after a single oral dose. Only about 50-60% of an oral dose of Atenolol is absorbed from gastrointerstinal tract. Approximately 5% of Atenolol is bound to plasma protein and is well distributed in most tissues and fluids except brain and CSF. Patients with normal renal function, Atenolol has pasma half-life of 6 to 7 hours.

Mode of action:

The principal physiologic action of Atenolol is to competitively block adrenergic receptors within the myocardium and within vascular smooth muscle. Atenolol also slows conduction in the atrioventricular (AV) node.

Dosage & Administration:

Usual recommended dose in hypertension is 50-100 mg daily, in angina is 100 mg daily in 1 or 2 doses and in arrhythmias is 50-100 mg daily or as directed by the physicians.

There is no paediatric experience with Atenolol and for this reason it is not recommended for use in children.

Contraindications:

Atenolol is contraindicated in patients with asthma, heart failure, second or third degree heart block.

Caution:

Avoid abrupt withdrawl in angina. Reduce oral dose of Atenolol in liver disease, reduce initial dose in renal impairment. Patients who have tendency towards obstructive airways disease should be treated with caution.

Pregnancy:

Atenolol has been effectively used only under close supervision for the treatment of pregnancy-associated hypertension. There was no evidence of foetal abnormalities although atenolol was used after 20 weeks of gestation.

Atenolol crosses the placental barrier and appears in cord blood. Approximately three fold accumulation of atenolol occurs in breast milk. However, apparently no harmful effects were seen in the newborn or the breast fed babies.

The possibility of foetal injury can not be excluded, therefore in women who are or may become pregnant or nursing mothers, expected benefits should be weighed against possible risks.

Side-effects:

Bradycardia, heart failure, peripheral vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal disturbances may occur.

Storage:

• Please keep the medicine away from the reach of the children.

• To be dispensed only by or on the prescription of registered persons.

Packing:

Tenocard Tablets: Box containing 10x10's tablets in blister pack.