Atenolol
Uses
Atenolol is used in the treatment of angina, arrhythmia, heart attack and increased blood pressure.
How it Works
Atenolol works by blocking tiny areas called the beta-adrenergic receptors, where messages sent by some nerves are received by the heart and blood vessels. Atenolol causes the heart beats more slowly and with less force. Thus leading to pressure of blood within your blood vessels to be reduced and it is easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Atenolol may suffer from such side effects;
Nausea,
Headache,
Fatigue,
Slow heart rate,
Breathlessness,
Diarrhoea,
Palpitations,
Abdominal pain,
Dizziness,
Constipation
Nifedipine
Uses
Nifedipine is given for the treatment of hypertension, or to help prevent angina chest pain.
How it Works
Nifedipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. Nifedipine works by causing some of blood vessels to relax and widen. This then lowers blood pressure. Nifedipine also increases the flow of blood to places like hands and feet. Nifedipine reduces the force and the rate of heartbeat, and this helps to prevent angina chest pain. Nifedipine works blocking the amount of calcium that goes into the 'smooth' muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels and in the heart. Calcium is needed for muscles to contract, so reducing the amount of calcium using Nifedipine causes the muscle cells to relax.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Nifedipine may suffer from such side effects;
Fatigue,
Ankle swelling,
Sleepiness,
Headache,
Nausea,
Dizziness,
Flushing,
Palpitations,
Edema,
Abdominal pain
Introduction
Atenolol belongs to the group of medicines called cardioselective beta blockers. It usually dilates your veins and arteries and hence reducing the pressure needed from the heart for blood to flow. This is what makes the drug appropriate for treating hypertension and chest pains and the prevention of heart attacks. This drug readily dissolves in water but is less soluble in chloroform.
Composition
The Atenolol tablet contains: magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, povidone and crystalline cellulose. It helps delay the function of the heart thus reducing the pressure of the blood. Nifedipine on the other hand is a potent calcium antagonist that aids at calming the blood vessels as well as opening them. This permits the blood to flow.
Use
Atenolol should strictly be taken in the prescribed amounts for the prescribed period of time. A deviation from such a prescription could have serious negative repercussions. In addition, you should follow the instructions on the label of the drug. Every dose should be taken with plenty of water and should be taken at similar times every day. The prescription given by the doctor should neither be halted nor skip any of the doses. Either of these conditions will only make the condition under treatment worse. This treatment needs close monitoring and therefore, you should attend all your appointments with the doctor to have your blood pressure checked and the necessary adjustments to your medication made. Usually blood pressure shows almost no symptoms and therefore, if this is the condition you are being treated for, then you should ensure you finish the dosage. This is even in the cases of immense improvement.
Dosage and administration
Atenolol should be taken in amounts of 50mg once through the mouth on a daily basis. In the event whereby no improvements are registered, the doctor might adjust the dosage to 100mg once in a day every day. Remember that this is the dosage for high blood pressure. This varies with other conditions and you should consult your doctor for that information.
Contraindication
Atenolol is contraindicated in people who suffer from the following conditions: cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, ongoing phiochromocytoma and a history of heart failure.
Important Precautions
Atenolol should be prescribed with caution to patients with diabetes, bronchospastic and hypogycemia. Therefore, if you suffer from any of these conditions it would be a good idea to let your doctor be aware of it. Atenolol is known to worsen disorders of the periphery's artery circulation. Therefore, this drug should be administered with the right adjustments for such patients. It has not yet been determined how safe or how effective Atenolol is once it is administered to pediatric patients. It would therefore be necessary to monitor these patients more closely than any other patient. If there is an occurrence of bradycardia during the medication of atenolol, this medication should be halted for some time.
Interaction
Atenolol is known to interact with drugs like guanabenz, digoxin, diabetis medication, heart medication, medication for asthma, diet pills, medication for colds and stimulants like caffeine.
Side effects
The side effects associated with this drug are breathing difficulties, facial swelling, hives, swelling of lips and tongue swelling. The occurrence of either of these conditions should be reported to a doctor immediately. However, there are other minor side effects and they include headaches, decreased libido, fatigue and insomnia.
Storage
Atenolol should be stored at room temperatures away from the reach of children and in a dry place.
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