Atenolol

Sample Solution

    Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and certain other cardiovascular conditions. It works by blocking the action of certain hormones that can constrict your blood vessels and increase your heart rate.

Tests or symptoms/signs required before prescribing this medication include taking a patient’s medical history, performing physical exams as well as laboratory tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart, checking for signs of coronary artery disease, and measuring kidney function. Patient education should include informing them on proper dosage instructions and possible side effects they may experience while taking atenolol such as nausea, dizziness, insomnia or fatigue. Current research being conducted related to this medication includes investigating its use in managing hypertension in people with diabetes mellitus Type 2 and studying its effect on reducing mortality in patients experiencing symptomatic angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease. Additionally research is being done into the potential for atenolol to reduce inflammation markers which are associated with an increased risk for serious cardiovascular events including stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Data/statistics currently known concerning the medication shows that it is generally safe and effective when taken correctly according to prescription guidelines with few serious side effects reported; however there have been reports of worsening congestive heart failure symptoms when starting treatment with atenolol so caution should be exercised if considering this drug for those already suffering from advanced CHF. Studies also show that regular users of atenolol can expect their resting heart rate to decrease significantly after just two weeks of therapy while systolic & diastolic blood pressures typically decrease within four weeks of continuous use. Patients may also find milder improvements in cholesterol levels over extended periods taking atenol