Zafnol tablet 50mg

About Zafnol tablet 50mg

Zafnol Tablet Uses

• Treatment of high blood pressure.
• Prevention of chest pain from angina.
• Control of some fast or irregular heart rhythms.
• Protecting the heart after a heart attack.

Zafnol Tablet Benefits

• Lowers blood pressure with one daily tablet.
• Reduces the workload on the heart.
• Cuts down episodes of exertion chest pain.
• Helps keep heart rate steady.

What Experts Say

Atenolol is a cardioselective beta blocker. It blocks beta 1 receptors in the heart, which slows the heart rate and reduces how hard the heart pumps. Blood pressure falls as a result.

It is used long term for hypertension and angina, and after a heart attack under specialist advice. It is mostly cleared by the kidneys, so the dose is lowered in kidney disease. Atenolol is water soluble, which limits how much enters the brain. This is why it causes fewer sleep and mood effects than some older beta blockers. Home blood pressure readings help track progress.

Stopping atenolol suddenly can cause a rebound rise in heart rate, chest pain or even a heart attack. Doctors reduce the dose slowly when stopping. People with asthma or very slow heartbeat generally should not take it. Lifestyle steps such as less salt, regular walking and stopping tobacco add to the benefit. Newer guidelines often place other drugs first for simple hypertension, so the doctor chooses based on the patient.

Drug Class

• Beta blocker (cardioselective)

Zafnol tablet 50mg formula

• Atenolol

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Zafnol tablet 50mg?

• Take Zafnol once daily at the same time each day, as prescribed.
• Swallow with water, with or without food.
• Check your pulse and blood pressure as your doctor advises.
• Do not stop suddenly, the dose must be reduced gradually.

Contraindications

• Known allergy to atenolol or other beta blockers rules out its use
• Not suitable for patients with severe slow heart rate or heart block
• Avoid in patients with cardiogenic shock or uncontrolled heart failure
• This medicine must not be used by patients with very low blood pressure without medical supervision

Drug Interactions

• Verapamil and diltiazem: Together they can slow the heart too much or cause heart block.
• Clonidine: Stopping clonidine while on atenolol can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
• Insulin and diabetes tablets: Atenolol can mask low blood sugar signs and change sugar control.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen: These can weaken the blood pressure lowering effect.

Risks and warnings

• Sudden stopping: It can trigger chest pain, fast heartbeat or a heart attack, so taper only under medical advice.
• Asthma and lung disease: Beta blockers can tighten airways, so it is unsafe in asthma.
• Heart block and slow pulse: It should not be used in severe slow heart rate, heart block or shock.
• Diabetes: It can hide warning signs of low blood sugar such as a fast heartbeat.
• Kidney disease: The dose is usually reduced because the kidneys clear it.

Zafnol Tablet Side Effects

• Tiredness
• Cold hands and feet
• Slow heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
• Shortness of breath in sensitive people

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
• Keep out of reach of children.