Cardiolite 50 mg Tablets (generic atenolol), including its uses, benefits, side effects, precautions, dosage guidance, and availability in Pakistan.
What Is Cardiolite 50 mg?
-
Active Ingredient: Atenolol 50 mg, a cardioselective β1-blocker.
-
Manufacturer: Asian Continental (Pakistan).
-
Role: Reduces heart rate, cardiac workload, and blood pressure by blocking β₁‑adrenergic receptors in heart muscle.
Indications & Key Benefits
Cardiolite 50 mg is commonly prescribed for:
-
Hypertension (high blood pressure) — especially in chronic management.
-
Angina pectoris, offering relief from chest pain by reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
-
Post‑myocardial infarction recovery, helping to prevent further cardiac events.
-
Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation/flutter) to control heart rate.
-
Migraines prevention, alcohol withdrawal, thyrotoxicosis, and reducing kidney stone formation in calcium nephrolithiasis.
Benefits include once‑daily dosing, predictable effect without frequent blood tests (unlike some antihypertensives), and effective heart rate control.
Common & Serious Side Effects
Common (mild to moderate):
-
Fatigue, dizziness, cold hands or feet
-
Bradycardia (slow heart rate), lightheadedness
-
Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, diarrhea, constipatio
Less common but potentially serious:
-
Exacerbation of heart failure, especially if dosage not adjusted
-
Bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD (even though atenolol is β₁-selective)
Dosage & Administration
-
Adults: Usually 50 mg once daily, typically in the morning. Dose may rise to 100–200 mg daily in divided doses as needed
-
Commonly started at 50 mg; may be adjusted based on response and tolerance. Not recommended for children (<18 years). For elderly or those with renal impairment, lower dosing may be required.
-
Administration: Swallow tablet whole with water, with or without food. Take at the same time daily. 3
-
DO NOT STOP abruptly: Sudden discontinuation may trigger rebound hypertension or angina. Taper dose under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
Contraindications & Precautions
Contraindications:
-
Known hypersensitivity to atenolol or other β-blockers
-
Severe bradycardia, heart block (≥2nd degree), cardiogenic shock, sick sinus syndrome, decompensated heart failure.
-
Severe asthma or COPD with risk of bronchospasm.
Precautions:
-
Used with caution in heart failure, renal/hepatic impairment, and in the elderly.Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, serum glucose, potassium, and kidney/liver function periodically.
-
Avoid alcohol while on therapy to reduce risk of hypotension.Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Not recommended without medical supervision. Drug Interactions:
-
May interact with digoxin, clonidine, insulin, NSAIDs, other antihypertensives, lithium, amiodarone, and other β-blockers