Aten H

Aten H Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

The synthesis of atenolol resulted from attempts to produce a β-adrenoceptor antagonist that would competitively block β1 (cardiac) receptors but have no effect on β2-receptors. It is classified as a β1 selective (cardioselective) β-adrenergic receptor antagonist with no membranestability activity and no partial agonist activity. It is markedly the most hydrophilic of the currently available β- blockers and thus penetrates the lipid of cell membranes poorly

Atenolol is a cardio-selective beta-blocker and as such exerts most of its effects on the heart. It acts as an antagonist to sympathetic innervation and prevents increases in heart rate, electrical conductivity, and contractility in the heart due to increased release of norepinephrine from the peripheral nervous system. Together the decreases in contractility and rate produce a reduction in cardiac output resulting in a compensatory increase in peripheral vascular resistance in the short-term. This response later declines to baseline with long-term use of atenolol. More importantly, this reduction in the work demanded of the myocardium also reduces oxygen demand which provides therapeutic benefit by reducing the mismatch of oxygen supply and demand in settings where coronary blood flow is limited, such as in coronary atherosclerosis. Reducing oxygen demand, particularly due to exercise, can reduce the frequency of angina pectoris symptoms and potentially improve survival of the remaining myocardium after myocardial infarction. The decrease in rate of sinoatrial node potentials, electrical conduction, slowing of potentials traveling through the atrioventricular node, and reduced frequency of ectopic potentials due to blockade of adrenergic beta receptors has led to benefit in arrhythmic conditions such as atrial fibrillation by controlling the rate of action potential generation and allowing for more effective coordinated contractions. Since a degree of sympathetic activity is necessary to maintain cardiac function, the reduced contractility induced by atenolol may precipitate or worsen heart failure, especially during volume overload.

The effects of atenolol on blood pressure have been established, although it is less effective than alternative beta-blockers, but the mechanism has not yet been characterized. As a β1 selective drug, it does not act via the vasodilation produced by non-selective agents. Despite this there is a sustained reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, and consequently blood pressure, alongside a decrease in cardiac output. It is thought that atenolol's antihypertensive activity may be related to action on the central nervous system (CNS) or it's inhibition of the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system rather than direct effects on the vasculature.

Atenolol produces CNS effects similar to other beta-blockers, but does so to a lesser extent due to reduces ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. It has the potential to produce fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances such as nightmares or insomnia. The exact mechanisms behind these have not been characterized but their occurrence must be considered as they represent clinically relevant adverse effects.

Thiazides such as hydrochlorothiazide promote water loss from the body (diuretics). They inhibit Na+/Cl- reabsorption from the distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys. Thiazides also cause loss of potassium and an increase in serum uric acid. Thiazides are often used to treat hypertension, but their hypotensive effects are not necessarily due to their diuretic activity. Thiazides have been shown to prevent hypertension-related morbidity and mortality although the mechanism is not fully understood. Thiazides cause vasodilation by activating calcium-activated potassium channels (large conductance) in vascular smooth muscles and inhibiting various carbonic anhydrases in vascular tissue.

Hydrochlorothiazide prevents the reabsorption of sodium and water from the distal convoluted tubule, allowing for the increased elimination of water in the urine. Hydrochlorothiazide has a wide therapeutic window as dosing is individualized and can range from 25-100mg. Hydrochlorothiazide should be used with caution in patients with reduced kidney or liver function.

Trade Name Aten H
Generic Atenolol + Hydrochlorothiazide
Weight 25mg, 12.5mg
Type Tablet
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd
Available Country India
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Aten H
Aten H

Uses

Atenolol is used for: Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Cardiac arrhythmia, Myocardial infarction

Hydrochlorothiazide is used for-

  • Edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrohosis, various forms of renal dysfunction and corticosteroid and estrogen therapy
  • Management of hypertension either as the sole therapeutic agent or to enhance the effectiveness of other antihypertensive drugs in the more severe form of hypertension
  • Management of diabetes insipidus
  • Management of proximal renal tubular acidosis
  • Idiopathic hypercalciuria and calcium nephrolithiasis, osteoporosis and exercise induced hyperkalemia

Aten H is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, Angina Pectoris, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Migraine, Myocardial Infarction, Refractory Hypertension, Secondary prevention Myocardial infarction, Supra-ventricular Tachyarrhythmias, Thyrotoxicosis, Ventricular TachyarrhythmiasAcidosis, Renal Tubular, Calcium Nephrolithiasis, Cirrhosis of the Liver, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Diabetes Insipidus, Edema, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Hypertension,Essential, Hypokalemia caused by diuretics, Nephrotic Syndrome, Premenstrual tension with edema, Sodium retention, Stroke, Prophylaxis of preeclampsia

How Aten H works

Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker, called such because it selectively binds to the β1-adrenergic receptor as an antagonist up to a reported 26 fold more than β2 receptors. Selective activity at the β1 receptor produces cardioselectivity due to the higher population of this receptor in cardiac tissue. Some binding to β2 and possibly β3 receptors can still occur at therapeutic dosages but the effects mediated by antagonizing these are significantly reduced from those of non-selective agents. β1 and β2 receptors are Gs coupled therefore antagonism of their activation reduces activity of adenylyl cyclase and its downstream signalling via cyclic adenosime monophosphate and protein kinase A (PKA).

In cardiomyocytes PKA is thought to mediate activation of L-type calcium channels and ryanodine receptors through their phosphorylation. L-type calcium channels can then provide an initial rise in intracellular calcium and trigger the ryanodine receptors to release calcium stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and increased contractility. PKA also plays a role in the cessation of contraction by phosphorylating phospholamban which in turn increases the affinity of SR Ca2+

Similar inihibitory events occur in the bronchial smooth muscle to mediate relaxation including phosphorylation of myosin light-chain kinase, reducing its affinity for calcium. PKA also inhibits the excitatory Gq coupled pathway by phosphorylating the inositol trisphosphate receptor and phospholipase C resulting in inhibition of intracellular calcium release. Antagonism of this activity by beta-blocker agents like atenolol can thus cause increased bronchoconstriction.

Hydrochlorothiazide is transported from the circulation into epithelial cells of the distal convoluted tubule by the organic anion transporters OAT1, OAT3, and OAT4. From these cells, hydrochlorothiazide is transported to the lumen of the tubule by multidrug resistance associated protein 4 (MRP4).

Normally, sodium is reabsorbed into epithelial cells of the distal convoluted tubule and pumped into the basolateral interstitium by a sodium-potassium ATPase, creating a concentration gradient between the epithelial cell and the distal convoluted tubule that promotes the reabsorption of water.

Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the proximal region of the distal convoluted tubule, inhibiting reabsorption by the sodium-chloride symporter, also known as Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 3 (SLC12A3). Inhibition of SLC12A3 reduces the magnitude of the concentration gradient between the epithelial cell and distal convoluted tubule, reducing the reabsorption of water.

Dosage

Aten H dosage

Hypertension: 50 mg once daily, the daily dose can be raised to 100 to 200 mg.

Angina pectoris: 50 to 100 mg daily.

Cardiac arrhythmia: Atenolol in low dose, 25-50 mg once daily, can be used in combination with digoxin to control the ventricular rate in atrial fibration or atrial flutter which is refractory to digoxin alone.

Adults-

For Edema: The usual adult dosage is 25 to 100 mg daily as a single or divided dose.

For Control of Hypertension: The usual initial dose in adults is 25 mg daily given as a single dose. The dose may be increased to 50 mg daily, given as a single or two divided doses. Doses above 50 mg are often associated with marked reductions in serum potassium. In some patients (especially the elderly) an initial dose of 12.5 mg daily may be sufficient.

Infants and children-

For diuresis and for control of hypertension: The usual pediatric dosage is 1 to 2 mg/kg/day in single or two divided doses, not to exceed 37.5 mg per day in infants up to 2 years of age or 100 mg per day in children 2 to 12 years of age. In infants less than 6 months of age, doses up to 3 mg/kg/day in two divided doses may be required.

Side Effects

In general, atenolol is well tolerated although in a small number of patients (approximately 2-3%) therapy must be withdrawn because of troublesome symptomatic adverse effects. The commonest of these are cold extrimities, fatigue, vivid dreams, insomnia, diarrhoea, constipation, impotence and paraesthesia. Bronchospasm has been occurred with atenolol although this is very much less common than with the non-selective β-blockers.

Generally, Hydrochlorothiazide is well tolerated. However, a few side effects may occur like weakness, restlessness, dizziness, headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, sialadenitis, cramping, constipation, gastric irritation, nausea, anorexia, and hypotension. In rare case hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hyperuricemia and muscle spasm may occur.

Toxicity

LD50 Values

Mouse: 2 g/kg (Oral), 57 mg/kg (IV), 134 mg/kg (IP), 400 mg/kg (SC)

Rat: 2 g/kg (Oral), 77 mg/kg (IV), 600 mg/kg (SC)

Rabbit: 50 mg/kg (IV)

Carcinogenicity & Mutagenicity

Studies in rats and mice at doses of 300 mg/kg/day, equivalent to 150 times maximum recommended human dose, for durations of 18 and 24 months showed no carcinogenicity. One study in rats at doses of 500-1500 mg/kg/day, 250-750 times maximum human dose, resulted in increases benign adrenal medullary tumors in both sexes and increase mammary fibroadenomas in females.

Atenolol showed no mutagenicity in the Ames test using S. typhinarium, dominant lethal test in mice, or in vivo cytogenetics test in chinese hamster ovary cells.

Reproductive Toxicity

No adverse effects on fertility were observed in either male or female mice after receiving doses of 200 mg/kg/day, equivalent to 200 times the maximum human dose. In humans, atenolol is known to cross the placenta and fetuses exposed to the drug have been reported to be smaller than expected considering gestational age. Embryo-fetal resorption has been observed in rats at doses of 50mg/kg/day, 50 times the max human dose, but not in rabbits at doses of 25mg/kg/day.

Lactation

Atenolol appears in breast milk at a ratio of 1.5-6.8 to plasma concentrations. It has been estimated that infant exposure occurs at 5.7-19.2% maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Effects in infants include bradycardia, hypothermia, and lethargy.

The oral LD50 of hydrochlorothiazide is >10g/kg in mice and rats.

Patients experiencing an overdose may present with hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and hyponatremia. Treat patients with symptomatic and supportive treatment including fluids and electrolytes. Vasopressors may be administered to treat hypotension and oxygen may be given for respiratory impairment.

Precaution

Patients already on a β-blocker must be evaluated carefully before Atenolol is administered. Atenolol may aggravate peripheral arterial circulatory disorders. Impaired Renal Function: Caution should be excised.

Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with severe renal disease, impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease and gout.

Interaction

Catecholamine-depleting drugs (e.g., Reserpine) and Calcium channel blockers may have an additive effect when given with Atenolol. Clonidine and aspirin may have some drug reactions.

Alcohol, Barbiturates, or Narcotics: Potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur.

Antidiabetic Drugs (oral agents and insulin): Thiazides can impair control of diabetes mellitus by diet and antidiabetic Drugs. Antihypertensive Drugs: Additive effect or potentiation.

Volume of Distribution

Total Vd of 63.8-112.5 L. Atenolol distributes into a central volume of 12.8-17.5 L along with two peripheral compartments with a combined volume of 51-95 L. Distribution takes about 3 hrs for the central compartment, 4 hrs for the shallower peripheral compartment, and 5-6 hrs for the deeper peripheral compartment.

The volume of distribution varies widely from one study to another with values of 0.83-4.19L/kg.

Elimination Route

Approximately 50% of an oral dose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with the remainder being excreted unchanged in the feces. Administering atenolol with food can decrease the AUC by about 20%. While atenolol can cross the blood-brain barrier, it does so slowly and to a small extent.

An oral dose of hydrochlorothiazide is 65-75% bioavailable, with a Tmax of 1-5 hours, and a Cmax of 70-490ng/mL following doses of 12.5-100mg. When taken with a meal, bioavailability is 10% lower, Cmax is 20% lower, and Tmax increases from 1.6 to 2.9 hours.

Half Life

6-7 hrs.

The plasma half life of hydrochlorothiazide is 5.6-14.8h.

Clearance

Total clearance is estimated at 97.3-176.3 mL/min with a renal clearance of 95-168 mL/min.

The renal clearance of hydrochlorothiazide in patients with normal renal function is 285mL/min. Patients with a creatinine clearance of 31-80mL/min have an average hydroxychlorothiazide renal clearance of 75mL/min, and patients with a creatinine clearance of ≤30mL/min have an average hydroxychlorothiazide renal clearance of 17mL/min.

Elimination Route

85% is eliminated by the kidneys following IV administration with 10% appearing in the feces.

Hydrochlorothiazide is eliminated in the urine as unchanged hydrochlorothiazide.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category D. Caution should be exercised when Atenolol is administered to a nursing woman.

Pregnancy: Evidence of fetal risk in hydrochlorothiazide therapy is found, but it is indicated if benefits outweigh risks. Thiazides are indicated in pregnancy when edema is due to pathologic causes.\

Lactation: Neonatal side effects have been seen incase of hydrochlorothiazide therapy and therefore it is not recommended.

Contraindication

Atenolol is contraindicated for: Second and third degree heart block, Untreated heart failure, Overt cardiac failure, Cardiogenic shock.

Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated to the patients of anuria and those who are sensitive to hydrochlorothiazide or to other sulfonamide-derived drugs. Therapy is not to be initiated in diabetes mellitus.

Special Warning

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Elderly: in some patients specially the elderly an initial dose of 12.5 mg daily may be sufficient.

Children: An initial dose for children has been 1 to 2 mg per kg body-weight in 2 divided doses. Infants under 6 months may need doses upto 3 mg per kg daily.

Acute Overdose

Overdosage with Atenolol has been reported with patients surviving acute doses as high as 5 gm. One death was reported in a man who may have taken as much as 10 gm acutely.

The most common signs and symptoms observed are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. Rarely, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and other hypersensitivity reactions may complicate the picture.

In the event of over dosage, symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed. Emesis should be induced or gastric lavage performed. Correct dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hepatic coma and hypotension by established procedures. Hemodialysis can be used successfully to treat severe intoxication.

Storage Condition

Store between 15-30°C. Protect from light, moisture and freezing.

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