Aten Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Aten Tablet contains Atenolol, a beta-blocker medicine. It is a prescription drug used mainly for heart and blood pressure problems, including high blood pressure, angina, and irregular heart rhythms. It works by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of the heartbeat. It should be taken exactly as prescribed and should not be stopped suddenly.

What is Aten Tablet

Aten Tablet contains Atenolol, a beta-blocker medicine. It is a prescription drug used mainly for heart and blood pressure problems.

Aten Tablet uses

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Angina (chest pain)
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Reducing strain on the heart after a heart attack
• Thyrotoxicosis (symptoms from too much thyroid hormone)
• Prevention of migraines

Benefits of Aten Tablet

• Helps lower and control blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems
• Improves blood flow to the heart, which reduces chest pain from angina and can help you be more active
• Helps steady certain irregular heart rhythms
• Reduces the strain on the heart following a heart attack

How Aten Tablet works

Aten Tablet is a beta-blocker. It blocks the action of adrenaline on the heart, which slows the heart rate and reduces the force of the heartbeat. This relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow to the heart, and lowers blood pressure and the strain on the heart.

Aten Tablet dosage

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not change the dose or stop on your own. It can be taken with or without food, and taking it at the same time every day can help you remember. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure or heart rate, and may lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking it, avoid driving or operating machinery. Get up slowly from sitting or lying down, since standing up quickly can cause dizziness.

This medicine is generally not recommended for children; if prescribed for a child, the exact dose must be followed carefully. Older adults may need a different dose because the body may process the medicine more slowly.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Aten Tablet

Common

• Blurred vision
• Cold hands or feet
• Dizziness
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Drowsiness
• Sweating
• Slow heartbeat
• Decrease in frequency of urination
• Increased thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach upset

Serious

• Wheezing or breathing difficulty
• Sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Signs of allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness
• Very slow heartbeat
• Signs of heart failure such as chest pain, swelling of face, fingers, feet or lower legs, irregular breathing or heartbeat, extreme fatigue

Warnings and precautions

• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine, as it may cause a stroke or heart attack. Any stopping of treatment should be done gradually under a doctor's supervision.
• This medicine can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar in people with diabetes, so regular blood sugar monitoring may be needed.
• People with asthma or COPD should generally avoid this medicine, as it can make breathing difficulties worse, especially at higher doses.
• This medicine should not be used by people with a very slow heart rate, certain heart block disorders, uncontrolled heart failure, or cardiogenic shock.
• People with poor circulation in the hands and feet may notice their symptoms get worse, since this medicine lowers blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the limbs.
• In people with an overactive thyroid, suddenly stopping this medicine can hide worsening symptoms and may be life-threatening; any stopping must be gradual and supervised by a doctor.
• Effects can be severe for pregnant women; do not take this medicine while pregnant without a doctor's advice. Some sources note it may be used under medical supervision, but risks and benefits should always be discussed with your doctor first.
• This medicine passes into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. Do not take it while breastfeeding without your doctor's advice.
• This medicine is removed from the body through the kidneys, so it should be used with caution if you have kidney problems, as it may build up and cause serious side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor your kidney function.
• There is not enough scientific information available on how this medicine affects the liver.
• Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can cause serious effects such as very low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in heart rate. It is best to avoid alcohol during treatment.
• This medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel these effects.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C)
• Keep the medication tightly closed and in a light-resistant container
• Store away from moisture; do not store in a bathroom
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Dispose of unused medicine properly

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as a large red rash, fever, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.
• Stop the medicine and get medical help immediately if you develop a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, since an overdose can cause a dangerously slow heartbeat, a severe drop in blood pressure, wheezing, and seizures.
• Contact your doctor right away if you notice signs of heart failure, such as chest pain or discomfort, swollen neck veins, extreme tiredness, irregular breathing or heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, trouble breathing, or unusual weight gain.

Alternatives

• Metoprolol
• Carvedilol
• Amlodipine