Atenolol is a beta blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart-associated chest pain. Atenolol, however, does not seem to improve mortality in those with high blood pressure. Other uses include the prevention of migraines and treatment of certain irregular heart beats. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a vein. It can also be used with other blood pressure medications.Common side effects include feeling tired, heart failure, dizziness, depression, and shortness of breath. Other serious side effects include bronchospasm. Use is not recommended during pregnancy and alternative drugs are preferred when breastfeeding. It works by blocking β1-adrenergic receptors in the heart, thus decreasing the heart rate and workload.Atenolol was patented in 1969 and approved for medical use in 1975. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2020, it was the 53rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 12 million prescriptions. Medical uses
Atenolol is used for a number of conditions including hyperthyroidism, hypertension, angina, long QT syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.The role for β-blockers in general in hypertension was downgraded in June 2006 in the United Kingdom, and later in the United States, as they are less appropriate than other agents such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, thiazide diuretics and angiotensin receptor blockers, particularly in the elderly.
In the population overall, the greatest likelihood of experiencing the first episode of any of these three TEAEs was greatest in the first week of treatment and decreased thereafter.According to Medscape, the most common (>10%) were: Nausea , Diarrhea (7-12%), Headache (2-11%). Less common side effects (1-10%) included: Abdominal pain (4-8%), Abdominal distension (3-6%), Flatulence (4-6%), Vomiting (3%), Loose stools (3%), Edema (1-3%), Abdominal discomfort (1-3%), Dizziness (3%), Chest discomfort/pain (2%), Dyspnea (2%), Dyspepsia (2%), Fatigue (2%), Dry mouth (1%). Contraindications
Known or suspected mechanical GI obstruction. Known hypersensitivity to lubiprostone or any ingredient in the formulation.There is no current data on use in people with liver or kidney complications. The effects on pregnancy have not been studied in humans but testing in guinea pigs resulted in fetal loss. Amitiza is not approved for use in children. Lubiprostone is contraindicated in patients exhibiting chronic diarrhea, bowel obstruction, or diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Mechanism of action
Lubiprostone is a bicyclic fatty acid derived from prostaglandin E1 that acts by specifically activating ClC-2 chloride channels on the apical aspect of gastrointestinal epithelial cells, producing a chloride-rich fluid secretion. These secretions soften the stool, increase motility, and promote spontaneous bowel movements (SBM). Symptoms of constipation such as pain and bloating are usually improved within one week, and SBM may occur within one day. Pharmacokinetics
Unlike many laxative products, lubiprostone does not show signs of drug tolerance, chemical dependency, or altered serum electrolyte concentration.