Medication to Treat Heart-Related Diseases and Angina

Atenolol is a selective Beta blocker. It blocks the effect of adrenergic chemicals like adrenaline released by the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. This class of drugs is primarily used in cardiovascular disease. It was once the first line treatment for hypertension. The drug affects the heart and the circulation of the body. It is useful to treat angina. Angina is a condition where oxygen demand is more than the supply. FDA approved Atenolol in August 1981 for the treatment of above-mentioned disease. The combination of Atenolol-chlorthalidone was approved in June 1984.

HOW DO ATENOLOL WORKS?

Atenolol belongs to the class of medication known as Beta blockers. It is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. It blocks the effect of adrenergic chemicals. Beta-adrenergic nerves stimulate the heart muscles to beat rapidly.

 Atenolol binds at beta (1) adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle. They block the stimulation by these nerves. This reduces the heart rate. It also reduces the forces of muscle contraction and the blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic pill (water pill). It reduces the ability of the kidney to hold on to salt and water. This increases the production of urine and helps to lower the blood pressure.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF ATENOLOL?

It treats many heart-related diseases.

• It prevents and treats;
• High blood pressure.
• Heart attack.
• Kidney problems.
• Angina (chest pain).
• Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• Migraine prophylaxis.
• Tremor.
• Heart rate control with atrial flutter.
• Off-label uses of atenolol with other beta blockers include treatment of psychological issues like anxiety.
• Decrease the renin release from the kidney.
• Chlorthalidone eliminates excess salt and water from the body.

HOW TO TAKE ATENOLOL?

Atenolol is available in the two form,

1. Atenolol: Tablets of strength 50 mg and 100 mg.
2. Atenolol-chlorthalidone: pills of strength 50/12.5 mg and 100/ 25 mg.

Dosage: –

• Adult: The dose depends on the reason for which it is used.

-General dose is 50 mg or 50/12.5 mg.

-The maximum dose is 100 mg or 100/25 mg.

• Children: Dose is dependent on weight. It is 2 mg/kg/day.

It is necessary to take the dose around the same time every day.

WHAT ARE THE PRECAUTIONS IN TAKING ATENOLOL?

It is necessary to take precaution under certain conditions.

Discuss or tell your doctor if you have/are

1. Pregnant.
2. Dental or other surgery.
3. Allergic to Atenolol or other ingredients of Tenormin.
4. Symptoms like;

• Chest pain.
• Dilated neck veins.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Irregular or shortness of breathing.
• Asthma or lung disorder.
• Kidney disease.
• Circulation problems.

COST OF ATENOLOL (Generic and Brand).

The cost of brand medicine increases due to cost associated with the Brand name of the company. Cost also increases due to the packaging and pricing. They spend a lot of amount on the research and development of the drugs.

But the Generic drugs are cheaper than the brand ones. They are ordered from the manufacturer in bulk. Other several cost-cutting measures also reduce the cost of this drug. This is passed on to our customers.

Generic Atenolol: Pack of 84 tablets.

• 50 mg costs $ 21, per unit costs $ 0.25.
• 100 mg costs $ 24, per unit costs $ 0.29.

Generic Atenolol-chlorthalidone: Pack of 60 tablets.

• 50/12.5 mg costs $ 15, per unit costs $ 0.25.
• 100/25 mg costs $ 21, per unit costs $ 0.35.

Cost of brand Tenormin: Pack of 30 tablets.

• 50 mg costs $ 416.55, per unit costs $ 13.88.
• 100 mg costs $ 426.62, per unit costs $ 14.22.

Cost of brand Tenoretic: Pack of 30 tablets.

• 50/25 mg costs $ 402.58, per unit costs $ 13.41.
• 100/25 mg costs $ 168.85, per unit costs $ 5.62.