Adverse Effects of Blokium (Atenolol)
Cold extremities, muscular fatigue and bradycardia have been reported. Dizziness, dry mouth and sleep disturbances have also been reported. Respiratory bronchospasm may occur in patients with bronchial asthma or a history of asthmatic complaints.
Precautions
A reduction of the heart rate to 45 beats / minute or below, is indicative of the fact that the dose should be reduced or medication withdrawn. Blokium (Atenolol) can be used in patients with chronic obstructive bronchopathies; however, an increase in airways resistance may be provoked in asthmatic patients. This bronchospasm may be suppressed by means of betamimetic bronchodilator agents (salbutamol, isoprenaline), because of the beta (161) selective blocking character of Atenolol.
Since Blokium (Atenolol) is excreted via the kidneys, dosage should be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function. The anaesthetist should be made aware of Atenolol therapy in patients undergoing general anaesthesia.
As with other beta blocking agents, treatment should not be discontinued abruptly Blokium (Atenolol) must not be used in patients with untreated cardiac failure, but it is possible to do so when the failure has been controlled.
It may increase the number and duration of angina attacks in patients with Prinzmetal's angina due to unopposed alpha receptor mediated coronary artery vasoconstriction. May mask the signs of thyrotoxicosis.
