The main difference between these funds is the active substance that underlies the drug. But these substances belong to the same pharmacological group, and their effect on the human body is similar, which allows the replacement of drugs with one another if necessary.
Many studies have confirmed the qualitative therapeutic effect of Bisoprolol. Experts advise using Bisoprolol because its use can reduce ischemia of the heart muscle, it also reduces blood pressure well and keeps it in good condition, preventing hypertensive crises. “Atenolol” has the same pharmacological effect, but the drug tends to weaken the effect on the body over time, which weakens its therapeutic effect.
The difference also lies in the cost of drugs. Atenolol is cheaper than Bisoprolol.
In the treatment of hypertension, cardiac ischemia, these drugs are prescribed only by specialists – cardiologists. It is forbidden to start taking or changing drugs on your own. It is impossible to stop taking medications sharply, because withdrawal syndrome occurs, and health conditions may worsen. It is necessary to constantly monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
It is important to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions and personally monitor the effect of the medicine on the body.
It is not prescribed for children under 18 years of age, and for elderly patients, the dosage does not differ from the dose for adults.
If “Atenolol” is prescribed, it is not advisable to buy analogues in pharmacies on your own, as is the case with “Bisoprolol”. It is better to immediately discuss all issues regarding the price and quality of the medicine with your doctor.
Some consider Atenolol to be an obsolete drug. Many patients take it for decades, and if the action is weakened, then there is a need for replacement. There are a lot of analogs. One of the replacement drugs may be Bisoprolol. Although these two agents have different active ingredients, but they belong to the same group.
It is worthwhile to figure out which of these medications is better to choose. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with each separately, and conduct a comparative description.
Atenolol
The active substance is atenolol, which belongs to the group of beta-1 adrenergic blockers. Available in tablet form, 50 mg each. It is taken in the morning, with food, swallowing the whole tablet without chewing. The tool reduces cardiac activity, heart rate, stroke volume, reduces oxygen consumption. It is prescribed for the treatment of arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris. It is also effective for the prevention of myocardial infarction.
Bisoprolol
The active substance is bisoprolol fumarate, dosage of 5 or 10 mg. Refers to beta – adrenergic blocking drugs. Appointed in the morning, either on an empty stomach, or during breakfast. Drink a little water. The drug is well adsorbed in the gastrointestinal tract immediately after administration. The duration is 24 hours. Indications include diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.
general characteristics
These drugs are analogues, therefore, indications, contraindications and side effects are not particularly different. General indications:
- Coronary artery disease.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Angina pectoris.
Contraindications – bradycardia (for “Bisoprolol” the number of beats per minute is not less than 60, and for “Atenolol” – less than 40 contractions), sinus node weakness syndrome, acute heart failure, arterial hypotension. It is used with caution in diabetes mellitus bronchial asthma, thyrotoxicosis.
Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs increase sensitivity to allergens and may increase the risk of anaphylactic reactions.
If surgery is planned, it is necessary to cancel the reception of beta – blockers in two days due to their incompatibility with drugs for anesthesia.
“Atenolol” as well as “Bisoprolol” has an effect on lacrimation, decreasing excretion. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to patients that use contact lenses.
While taking these drugs, it is not recommended to take alcohol.
Comparative characteristics
The mechanism of action of “Atenolol” and “Bisoprolol” consists in the following effects:
- Antihypertensive effect.
- Antianginal.
- Antiarrhythmic.
Antihypertensive effect occurs as a result of a decrease in minute blood volume, a decrease in renin excretion by the kidneys. Pressure decreases and systolic and diastolic. These drugs are long-acting drugs, that is, the active substance accumulates in the blood, and as a result, blood pressure stabilizes after a month or two. The action of the pill lasts 24 hours.
Antianginal effect. Its cause is a decrease in heart rate and a smaller effect of sympathetic innervation on the heart muscle. As a result, this leads to a decrease in myocardial oxygen demand. These drugs are well used to treat angina pectoris, and when seizures occur at rest (they reduce the heart rate, both in a calm state and during physical activity).
Antiarrhythmic effect. An attack of tachycardia is removed, blood pressure is reduced. The active substance atenolol, and bisoprolol reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. All this leads to the removal of rhythm disturbances.
During pregnancy and lactation, atenolol is not recommended. The drug passes through the placental barrier and can affect fetal growth. It also passes into breast milk. “Bisoprolol” did not undergo research during pregnancy, therefore it is also not prescribed. Only in cases where the risk to the fetus is less than for the mother, then it is possible to use it under the supervision of specialists.
Some consider Atenolol to be an obsolete drug. Many patients take it for decades, and if the action is weakened, then there is a need for replacement. There are a lot of analogs. One of the replacement drugs may be Bisoprolol. Although these two agents have different active ingredients, but they belong to the same group.