Tenomac 50

TENOMAC 50 is a medication manufactured by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: TENOMAC 50
• Common Name/Active Ingredient: Atenolol

Composition

• Each tablet contains Atenolol 50 mg.

Uses

TENOMAC 50 is a beta-blocker primarily used to manage various cardiovascular conditions.

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): It helps lower raised blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
• Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain): It treats chest pain by reducing the heart's workload and improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): It helps stabilize heart rhythms and control heart rate.
• Post-Myocardial Infarction: It is used in the early treatment after a heart attack to protect the heart and improve survival chances.
• Migraine Prevention: In some cases, it may be used to prevent migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration

• TENOMAC 50 should be taken exactly as advised by your doctor.
• It is typically prescribed once or twice daily.
• It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels.
• The first dose may be taken at bedtime as it can cause dizziness.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Do not stop taking TENOMAC 50 suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to serious adverse effects like changes in heart rhythm, increased blood pressure, chest pain, or a heart attack.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Cold hands and feet
• Diarrhea
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Tiredness/Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Aching muscles
• Depressed mood
• Slower pulse rate (bradycardia)
• Blurred vision

Less Common/Serious Side Effects (consult doctor if experienced):

• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Severe allergic reactions
• Worsening of heart failure
• Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)

Precautions

• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Never discontinue TENOMAC 50 without consulting your doctor, as it can worsen your condition.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as TENOMAC 50 is generally not recommended due to potential risks to the baby.
• Underlying Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have:
  • Asthma or other breathing problems, as it may worsen the condition.
  • Diabetes, as it may mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
  • Kidney or liver disease.
  • Heart conditions such as cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, very slow heartbeat (bradycardia), very low blood pressure, or poor circulation.
  • An overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis), as it may mask symptoms.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol as it may enhance dizziness and drastically reduce blood pressure.
• Driving and Machinery: TENOMAC 50 may cause tiredness or dizziness, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially other heart medicines (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), and diabetes medications, as interactions may occur.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine at room temperature, typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is TENOMAC 50 used for?

TENOMAC 50 Tablet is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and chest pain (angina pectoris). It also helps protect the heart in the early treatment after a heart attack and can reduce the risk of future heart attacks and strokes. In some cases, it may be used to prevent migraine headaches or manage symptoms of an overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis).

How does TENOMAC 50 work?

TENOMAC 50 contains Atenolol, which is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. It works by blocking specific receptors (beta-1 adrenergic receptors) in the heart and blood vessels. This action relaxes blood vessels, slows down the heart rate, and reduces the force with which the heart pumps blood. This ultimately lowers blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart, improving blood flow.

What is the usual dosage for TENOMAC 50?

The typical starting adult dosage for conditions like hypertension or angina is 50 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your medical condition and response, with doses usually not exceeding 100 mg per day. It is important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, preferably at the same time each day, and it can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of TENOMAC 50?

Common side effects can include headaches, cold hands and feet, diarrhea, nausea, tiredness, aching muscles, depressed mood, dizziness, blurred vision, and a slow heart rate. Most of these usually resolve over time. Less common or rare side effects may include shortness of breath, low blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, depression, worsening of heart failure, nightmares, or difficulty getting an erection. If side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is TENOMAC 50 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

TENOMAC 50 is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy due to evidence of risk to the developing baby and potential severe effects. For breastfeeding mothers, it is not recommended as atenolol is known to pass into breast milk and can be harmful to the infant. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can TENOMAC 50 be taken with other medications?

TENOMAC 50 can interact with several medications. You should inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Specific interactions include:

• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem, Nifedipine) should generally be avoided or used with caution, as they can increase the risk of low blood pressure and cardiac failure.
• NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Indomethacin) may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of TENOMAC 50.
• Insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs: TENOMAC 50 may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Other heart medications (e.g., disopyramide, amiodarone, digoxin) may also interact.
• Abruptly stopping Clonidine while taking TENOMAC 50 can cause blood pressure fluctuations.

What precautions should be taken while using TENOMAC 50?

• Do not stop suddenly: Do not discontinue TENOMAC 50 abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to serious heart problems like changes in heart rhythm, increased blood pressure, chest pain, or even a heart attack. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose over time if needed.
• Underlying conditions: Inform your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing conditions, severe heart failure, a very slow heartbeat, very low blood pressure, severe circulation problems, kidney disease, liver disorders, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid, as TENOMAC 50 may not be suitable or require careful monitoring.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking TENOMAC 50, as it can enhance dizziness and lower blood pressure.
• Driving/Operating machinery: If you experience dizziness or tiredness after taking TENOMAC 50, avoid driving or operating tools and machines.
• Surgery: Inform medical staff that you are taking TENOMAC 50 before any surgery, as it can interact with certain anesthetics, potentially causing very low blood pressure.

What happens if a dose of TENOMAC 50 is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should TENOMAC 50 be stored?

TENOMAC 50 Tablets should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children.