Tenormin side effects
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Summary
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These studies suggest that Tenormin (atenolol) effectively lowers blood pressure with few side effects, particularly minimal central nervous system side effects.
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Side Effects of Tenormin (Atenolol)
Introduction to Tenormin (Atenolol)
Tenormin, also known by its generic name atenolol, is a cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocker commonly used to manage hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. It is known for its efficacy in reducing blood pressure and heart rate, but like all medications, it can have side effects.
Common Side Effects of Tenormin
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Gastrointestinal issues are among the more frequently reported side effects of Tenormin. In a clinical evaluation involving 52 hypertensive patients, gastrointestinal disturbances were noted in two patients.
Skin Reactions
Skin reactions, although less common, have been reported. In the same study, one patient experienced a skin rash.
Cardiovascular Effects
Tenormin is effective in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as pulse rate. However, in some cases, it can lead to fluid retention, which may counteract its blood pressure-lowering effects.
Central Nervous System Effects
Minimal CNS Side Effects
One of the advantages of Tenormin over non-selective beta-blockers is its minimal impact on the central nervous system. Studies have shown that Tenormin does not significantly affect reaction time, critical flicker frequency, or subjective feelings of drowsiness. Additionally, patients who switched to Tenormin from other beta-blockers reported improvements in CNS-related side effects such as nightmares, hallucinations, insomnia, and mild depression .
Rare CNS Side Effects
Despite its generally favorable profile, some patients may still experience CNS side effects. In long-term studies, a small percentage of patients discontinued Tenormin due to side effects, although these were not always specified as CNS-related .
Other Reported Side Effects
Numbness and Discomfort
In clinical evaluations, some patients reported numbness in the hands and feet, as well as retrosternal discomfort.
No Significant Ocular or Systemic Effects
Topical application of atenolol has been studied for its effects on intraocular pressure, showing no significant impact on pupil size, corneal sensitivity, systemic blood pressure, or heart rate, and no side effects were noted in these studies.
Conclusion
Tenormin (atenolol) is a widely used beta-blocker with a generally favorable side effect profile, particularly in terms of central nervous system effects. While gastrointestinal disturbances, skin reactions, and cardiovascular effects like fluid retention can occur, severe side effects are relatively rare. Patients switching from non-selective beta-blockers often find relief from CNS-related side effects with Tenormin. As with any medication, monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are essential to manage and mitigate potential side effects.
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