Atenolol Tablets 25mg
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ATENOLOL TABLETS 25mg
What you should know about Atenolol Tablets
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine. This leaflet provides a summary of the information available on your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The name of your medicine is Atenolol Tablets 25mg.
What is in your medicine?
Each tablet contains 25mg of the active ingredient atenolol BP. The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulphate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, diethylpththalate and orange colour containing sunset yellow lake (E110) and titanium dioxide (E171).
These tablets are supplied in packs of 28.
The active ingredient, atenolol, belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-blockers. These reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) and relieve angina pectoris which is caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart. These beta-blockers are also used to maintain a regular heart beat and to protect the heart from further damage after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
The product licence holder and manufacturer is: Sandoz Limited, Frimley Business Park, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7SR,United Kingdom.
Uses
Atenolol can be used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina pectoris). It may also be used to control irregular heart rate (cardiac dysrhythmias) and to protect the heart after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Before taking your medicine
DO NOT take this medicine before telling your doctor if:
• you are, or might be pregnant or are breast feeding
• you have previously experienced sensitivity to atenolol or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
• you have low blood pressure or slow heart rate or heart block
• you suffer from asthma
• you suffer from kidney problems
• you have an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis)
• you suffer from heart failure which is poorly controlled
It is very important that you tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication which is used for the treatment of heart conditions, these include verapamil, adrenaline, noradrenaline, isoprenaline, lignocaine, procainamide and clonidine. Other medicines which can affect the functioning of atenolol include water tablets (diuretics) and medicines used for thyroid disease for example thyroxine. Medicines for coughs, colds, hayfever or sinus problems may increase your blood pressure if they are taken whilst you are receiving atenolol treatment. It is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines which you may obtain without prescription.
You should not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness or blurred vision whilst taking atenolol.
If you have to go to the dentist, hospital or are seen by a different doctor for any reason tell them you are taking atenolol tablets. This is very important if you are likely to have an anaesthetic or an operation.
Tell your pharmacist that you are taking atenolol tablets before buying any other medicines.
These tablets contain lactose, if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Taking your medicine
Atenolol tablets should be taken by mouth.
Adults
High Blood Pressure
The usual dose is two to four tablets, once a day.
Angina
The usual dose is 100mg once a day or 50mg twice a day. For example, four tablets once a day, or two tablets twice a day.
Irregular Heart Beats
The usual dose is 50mg to 100mg once a day. For example,two to four tablets, once a day.
After a Heart Attack
Initial treatment normally consists of an intravenous injection.
15 minutes after the injection you will normally be given 50mg (two 25mg tablets).
12 hours after the injection, you will normally be given 50mg (two 25mg tablets). After a further 12 hours you will be given 100mg (four 25mg tablets).
You will need to take 100mg (four 25mg tablets) a day for up to 10 days.
Elderly
The above dosages may be reduced especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Children
These tablets are not recommended for children.
Your doctor may prescribe a different dose depending on your condition. Your dose may be reduced if you have kidney damage. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions on taking your medicine. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not stop taking your medicine without discussing it with your doctor, as sudden withdrawal may cause unwanted effects.
If you forget to take your medicine take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within six hours, do not take the missed dose, but take the next dose at the usual time.
If you accidentally take too many tablets contact your doctor or local casualty department as soon as possible.
As with all medicines some people may experience side effects. You may suffer from coldness of the hands and feet, tiredness, slow heart beat (bradycardia) sleep disturbances have been reported but these are rare. There have been a few reports of skin rashes and /or dry eyes associated with taking atenolol.
If any of these effects become worse or upsetting, or you experience any other unexpected effects which you think could be due to taking Atenolol tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Storing your medicine
Do not use Atenolol tablets after the “expiry” or “use by” date shown on the container. Any out of date medicines should be returned to your pharmacist for disposal.
Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature (below 25°C). Date of preparation: August 2004.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Your medicines can harm them.
REMEMBER: this medicine is for you. Never give it to others. It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.