This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Tenormin is a beta-blocker. Exactly how Tenormin works to decrease heart problems after a heart attack is not known. It is used for decreasing death due to heart problems after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

Hypertension: the usual starting dose for adults is 50 milligrams a day in 1 dose, alone or with a diuretic. Full effects should be seen in 1 to 2 weeks. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 100 milligrams per day in one dose. Your doctor can and may use Tenormin with other high blood pressure medications.

Angina Pectoris: the usual starting dose is 50 milligrams in 1 dose a day. Full effects should be seen in 1 week. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 100 milligrams per day. In some cases, a single dose of 200 milligrams per day may be given. Dosage will be individualized by your doctor.

Heart Attack: this medication may be used in the acute treatment of heart attack. Your doctor will determine the proper dosage. If you have kidney problems, the doctor will start you with the lowest effective dose, usually 25 milligrams once a day up to a maximum of 50 milligrams daily. The doctor will determine the dosage for an older individual, according to his or her needs, especially in the case of reduced kidney function. The usual dosage range is 25 to 50 milligrams a day.

The safety and effectiveness of Tenormin have not been established in children.

Warning and Precautions

Tenormin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tenormin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Tenormin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Tenormin may reduce the amount of blood that flows to your feet and hands. This may cause them to feel cold and make you more sensitive to the cold. Dress warmly in cold weather. Be careful when you are out in the cold for long periods of time. Ask you doctor for more information.

If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using Tenormin.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Diabetes patients - Tenormin may hide signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heartbeat. Other symptoms, such as sweating, may still occur. Check your blood sugar levels regularly. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Check your blood pressure and pulse regularly, as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help if you are unsure how to properly measure your blood pressure or pulse.

Lifestyle changes may also help reduce your blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about appropriate diet and exercise programs that may be helpful to you.

Lab tests, including blood pressure and heart function tests, may be performed while you use Tenormin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Tenormin overdose may include: congestive heart failure, constricted airways, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, slow heartbeat, sluggishness, wheezing.

Storage

Store Tenormin at room temperature, protect from light. Keep away from children and pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects: cold fingers and toes; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; nausea; tiredness or weakness, severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blue fingernails, toenails, or palms; decreased sexual ability; fainting; mental or mood problems; persistent dizziness or lightheadedness; shortness of breath; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusually slow heartbeat. Seek medical attention right away if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Tenormin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.