Atenolol is one of the beta blockers.It is mainly used to treat arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) and some types of cardiac arrhythmias.
What is Atenolol?
Atenolol is a drug that is one of the cardioselective beta-1 blockers. Beta blockers inhibit what are known as beta adrenoceptors. These are receptor molecules that act on the messenger substances of the sympathetic nervous system noradrenaline and adrenaline or block their effect. These two substances are also known as stress hormones and, among other things, are responsible for accelerating the heartbeat, for example.
The structural components of beta blockers are similar to those of these two messenger substances. This means that drugs with this group of active substances are used as competitive antagonists without triggering the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
The cardiovascular system can be positively influenced by the administration of the active ingredient. As a cardioselective beta blocker, the effects of atenolol mainly affect the heart.
Pharmacological effect
The effect of Atenolol is achieved directly on the sinus node and thus directly on the heart. The sinus node is also known as the heart's clock. The active ingredient atenolol can be used to reduce the transmission of electrical impulses.
There, the active ingredient ensures that the heartbeat is reduced in terms of strength and frequency. This mode of action relieves the heart. If there are cardiac arrhythmias, this can, for example, help the heart to find its way back to its usual rhythm.
In addition to the effect on the heartbeat, the administration of atenolol also has a blood pressure lowering effect. The active ingredient also affects the so-called beta-1 receptors in the kidneys. This prevents the hormone renin from being released. This hormone increases blood pressure in the body.
It should be noted by taking atenolol that the signs of overactive thyroid gland can be masked. This also applies to the otherwise typical symptoms of hypoglycaemia, which can occur in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Medical application & use
The preparation with the active ingredient atenolol can be used both for the treatment of existing diseases of the heart and for prevention. Atenolol is often used in the treatment of certain irregular heartbeats.
The remedy is also used for angina pectoris and coronary heart diseases. For prevention, the preparation is used, for example, in the case of high blood pressure to prevent heart problems. Depending on the type of dosage, cardiovascular complaints are also treated using this substance.
The mode of action of Atenolol starts after a few hours when given in the form of tablets. The active ingredient can be quickly absorbed by the body through the gastrointestinal tract and take effect. The way Atenolol works can be accelerated by injecting the agent into the veins. This means that the effects can take place within a few minutes.
Due to the fast mode of action, the preparation can not only be used long-term, but it is also used for emergency treatment. This measure is carried out in the case of acute heart disorders, such as heart attacks.
The administration of the drug must always be monitored medically, because blood sugar and blood count must be checked regularly. Liver and kidney function should also be subject to certain controls during therapy so that any complications can be identified quickly.
Risks & side effects
Taking atenolol can reduce your ability to react. This can affect the working and use of machines and driving a car. Other risks from taking atenolol include the fact that allergies and circulatory and kidney dysfunction can be exacerbated. An existing tendency to hypoglycaemia can also be negatively supported.
In some cases allergic reactions can be triggered by taking the preparation. Possible occasional side effects of atenolol include headache, impaired vision and sleep, and tiredness and dizziness.
Gastrointestinal complaints, muscle weakness, hallucinations and some other side effects can also occur depending on the dosage and type of preparation. Side effects such as shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction or dry mouth are less common.
