Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using TENORMIN?
TENORMIN contains the active ingredient atenolol. TENORMIN is used to lower high blood
pressure, which is called hypertension, prevent angina, treat irregular heart rhythm
or beat called arrhythmias and treat heart attacks, or reduce your risk of heart complications
following a heart attack. For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using TENORMIN? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use TENORMIN?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to TENORMIN or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I use TENORMIN? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with TENORMIN and affect how it works.
4. How do I use TENORMIN?
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
5. What should I know while using TENORMIN?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using TENORMIN.
Attend all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop taking TENORMIN or change the dose without checking with your doctor.
Do not take any new medicines with TENORMIN, unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not use TENORMIN to treat any other complaint unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give TENORMIN to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar or they have
the same condition as you.
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Driving or using machines
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Make sure you know how you react to TENORMIN before you drive a car, operate machinery
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or lightheaded.
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Drinking alcohol
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Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Alcohol may impact the effects of TENORMIN.
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Looking after your medicine
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Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
Protect from light.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include: stomach upsets such as diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal
pain or heartburn, dry mouth, change in taste sensation, dizziness, headache or buzzing
or ringing in the ears, slow or irregular heart beat, dry eyes, problems with vision,
runny or blocked nose, difficulty sleeping, nightmares , skin reactions, cold fingers
and toes, increased hair loss, tingling 'pins and needles' or walking unsteadily or
sexual problems. Serious side effects include: confusion or disorientation, depression
or mood changes or a worsening of these, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, light-headedness
or fainting which may be due to low blood pressure or yellowing of the skin and/or
eyes. Very serious side effects include: allergic reaction. For more information,
including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient:
atenolol
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using TENORMIN. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using TENORMIN.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using TENORMIN?
TENORMIN contains the active ingredient atenolol. TENORMIN belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It works by affecting
the body's response to certain nerve impulses, especially in the heart.
As a result, it decreases the heart's need for blood and oxygen and therefore reduces
the amount of work the heart has to do. It widens the blood vessels in the body, causing
blood pressure to fall. It also helps the heart to beat more regularly.
TENORMIN is used to:
lower high blood pressure, which is called hypertension
prevent angina
treat irregular heart rhythm or beat called arrhythmias
treat heart attacks, or reduce your risk of heart complications following a heart
attack
2. What should I know before I use TENORMIN?
Warnings
Do not use TENORMIN if:
you are allergic to atenolol, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet, or to any other beta-blocker medicine. Always check the ingredients to make
sure you can use this medicine
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing
or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the
body; rash, itching or hives on the skin or you may feel faint
you have or have had asthma (difficulty in breathing, wheezing and coughing), bronchitis
or other lung problems in the past.
you have the following conditions:
a history of allergic problems, including hayfever. Symptoms of an allergy may include:
rash, itching, watery eyes or sneezing.
a very slow heart beat (less than 45-50 beats/minute)
a severe blood vessel disorder causing poor circulation in the arms and legs
certain other heart conditions
phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland) which is not being treated
with other medicines
low blood pressure (hypotension)
too much acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis)
you are receiving:
certain anaesthetics for medical dental procedures
emergency treatment for shock or severely low blood pressure
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions, including:
heart problems
diabetes
an over active thyroid gland called hyperthyroidism.
kidney problems
circulation problems
have any allergies to:
any other medicine, including eye drops, or other beta-blocker medicines
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
insect stings
TENORMIN may make allergies worse or make them harder to treat.
take any medicines for any other condition.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take TENORMIN if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding
or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using TENORMIN during
pregnancy and breast feeding. TENORMIN passes into breast milk and may therefore affect
the breast-fed baby.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with TENORMIN and how it works, and some medicines may
be affected by TENORMIN. These medicines include:
other beta-blocker medicines
medicines used to treat high blood pressure or angina
medicine used to treat heart problems
insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
medicines used to treat arthritis, pain, or inflammation
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect TENORMIN.
4. How do I use TENORMIN?
How much to take
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
Hypertension:
The usual dose is from 50mg (1 tablet) up to 200mg (4 tablets) of TENORMIN daily.
If your dose is 100mg or less, take it once a day. If you need to take more than 100mg
(2 tablets), take half of your TENORMIN in the morning and the other half in the evening.
Angina or Irregular Heart Beat:
The usual dose is from 50mg (1 tablet) up to 100mg (2 tablets) taken as a single dose
or half the dose in the morning and half at night.
Heart attack:
The usual dose is 50mg (1 tablet) of TENORMIN daily.
Certain people such as the elderly or those with kidney problems, may require a lower
dose.
Follow the instructions provided and use TENORMIN until your doctor tells you to stop.
When to take TENORMIN
TENORMIN should be used at the same time everyday
It does not matter if you take your TENORMIN before or after food.
How to take TENORMIN
Swallow TENORMIN with a glass of water, during or immediately after a meal.
How long to take TENORMIN
Take TENORMIN everyday. Continue taking TENORMIN until your doctor advises you to
stop.
TENORMIN helps treat your condition, but does not cure it.
Do not stop taking TENORMIN without checking with your doctor.
Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of TENORMIN you are taking.
This should take place over a period of about 2 weeks before stopping completely.
Do not stop suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Make sure you keep enough TENORMIN to last over weekends and holidays.
If you forget to use TENORMIN
TENORMIN should be used regularly at the same time each day.
If it is less than six hours from when you missed your dose, take it as soon as you
remember, and then go back to taking your tablets at the same time you would normally.
If it is more than six hours since your last dose, skip the dose you missed and take
your next dose when you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you use too much TENORMIN
If you think that you have used too much TENORMIN, you may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too much TENORMIN, you may feel faint or dizzy or you may find it difficult
to breathe
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may
need urgent medical attention.
5. What should I know while using TENORMIN?
Things you should do
Attend all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Tell any doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking
TENORMIN.
If you are about to be started on any new medicines, tell your doctor, dentist or
pharmacist that you are taking TENORMIN.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
become pregnant while taking TENORMIN.
have an allergic reaction to any foods, medicines or insect stings.
TENORMIN can cause allergic reactions to be worse and harder to treat.
have diabetes and notices any blood sugar level changes
TENORMIN may affect your diabetes. It may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar levels,
such as a fast heart beat. It may also take longer for your blood sugar level to get
back to normal even if you follow the usual treatment for diabetes. Your diabetic
medicines may have to be changed or the doses adjusted.
continue to have angina attacks, or have more of them whilst taking TENORMIN
TENORMIN is used to help prevent angina, so your angina attacks should become less
severe and occur less often.
feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, and this problem gets worse or continues
Get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up
You may feel light-headed or dizzy after taking TENORMIN. This is because your blood
pressure is falling suddenly.
To help your body get used to the change in blood pressure, you may find the following
hints useful:
Stand up slowly when getting up from a chair or bed. This will allow your body get
used to the change in position and blood pressure.
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better.
If you feel faint, sit down and put your head between your knees.
are having surgery (even at the dentist), tell your doctor or dentist that you are
taking TENORMIN.
TENORMIN may affect some of the medicines used during surgery.
have any medical tests while you are taking TENORMIN
TENORMIN may affect the results of some tests.
Things you must do
Drink lots of water when exercising and during hot weather when taking TENORMIN, especially
if you sweat a lot.
If you do not drink enough water while taking TENORMIN, you may feel faint, light-headed
or sick. The recommended healthy minimum water intake is 6-8 glasses a day
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using TENORMIN.
Things you should not do
Do not stop taking TENORMIN or change the dose without checking with your doctor.
Do not take any new medicines with TENORMIN, unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not use TENORMIN to treat any other complaint unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give TENORMIN to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar or they have
the same condition as you.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how TENORMIN
affects you.
TENORMIN may cause dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness or faintness in some people.
Make sure you know how you react to TENORMIN before you drive a car, operate machinery
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or lightheaded.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Alcohol may impact the effects of TENORMIN.
Things to be careful of
Be careful not to over exercise when you first start taking TENORMIN.
It helps prevent angina resulting from physical activity and exercise. You may be
tempted to exercise too much. Talk to your doctor about how much exercise you can
do.
Dress warmly during cold weather, especially if you will be outside for a long time
(for example when playing or watching sport in winter).
TENORMIN, like other beta-blocker medicines, may make you more sensitive to cold temperatures,
especially if you have circulation problems. Beta-blockers tend to decrease blood
circulation in the skin, fingers and toes.
Looking after your medicine
Protect from light.
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture,
heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
If you get any side effects, do not stop taking TENORMIN without first talking to
your doctor.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
Very serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What TENORMIN contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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atenolol
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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magnesium stearate
magnesium carbonate hydrate
maize starch
sodium lauryl sulfate
gelatin
hypromellose
glycerol
titanium dioxide
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Potential allergens
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TENORMIN does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What TENORMIN looks like
TENORMIN 50 mg tablets are white, round, biconvex, film coated, tablets marked with
50 on one side and bisected on the other (Aust R 287200).
TENORMIN tablets come in calendar packs containing 30 tablets.
Who distributes TENORMIN
Clinect Pty Ltd
120-132 Atlantic Drive
Keysborough VIC 3173, Australia
Free Call Australia: 1800 889 005
This leaflet was prepared in February 2022.