Drug Class: Cardioselective Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptor Blocker | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Blokium 100mg Tablet? Blokium 100mg contains Atenolol — one of the most widely prescribed and clinically established cardioselective beta-blockers for long-term cardiovascular management. At the 100mg strength it provides effective once-daily heart rate reduction, blood pressure lowering, and cardiac workload reduction for patients whose hypertension, angina, or arrhythmia requires stronger beta-blockade than the standard 50mg maintenance dose. Atenolol's cardioselectivity means it preferentially targets beta-1 receptors in the heart — providing cardiovascular benefits with relatively less bronchial and peripheral vascular beta-2 blockade than non-selective beta-blockers. It must never be stopped suddenly and requires consistent long-term use under strict cardiological supervision for effective cardiovascular protection.
What is Blokium 100mg Used For?
- Hypertension — high blood pressure management where 50mg provides insufficient control (ہائی بلڈ پریشر)
- Chronic stable angina — prevention and reduction of chest pain episodes (سینے کے درد کی روک تھام)
- Cardiac arrhythmias — rate control in supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation (دل کی بے قاعدہ اور تیز دھڑکن کو کنٹرول کرنا)
- Post-myocardial infarction — long-term cardiac protection after heart attack (دل کے دورے کے بعد تحفظ)
- Hypertension with tachycardia — combined elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate management
- Heart failure — as adjunctive therapy under strict specialist supervision
How Does it Work? Atenolol selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart — reducing the frequency and force of cardiac contractions, lowering heart rate, decreasing cardiac output, and reducing myocardial oxygen demand. At 100mg this beta-1 blockade is more complete and sustained than at lower doses — providing stronger heart rate and blood pressure reduction suitable for patients requiring more intensive cardiovascular control. For angina, the reduction in heart rate and cardiac workload decreases myocardial oxygen consumption — reducing the frequency and severity of ischaemic chest pain episodes. For arrhythmias, slowing of atrioventricular node conduction provides effective rate control in supraventricular tachycardias and atrial fibrillation.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Never stop suddenly — abrupt discontinuation causes dangerous rebound hypertension and can trigger severe angina or heart attack. Always reduce dose gradually over several weeks under cardiologist supervision. Take at the same time each day. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly throughout treatment.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | 100mg | Once daily | When 50mg provides insufficient control |
| Chronic stable angina | 100mg | Once daily | Adjusted by cardiologist |
| Cardiac arrhythmias | 100mg | Once daily | Under specialist supervision |
| Post-myocardial infarction | 100mg | Once daily | Long-term cardioprotection |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Atenolol | 100mg |
Who Should NOT Take Blokium 100mg?
- Allergy to Atenolol or any beta-blocker
- Severe bradycardia — resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute
- Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure
- Second or third degree heart block without a functioning pacemaker
- Sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker
- Severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — beta-blockade can cause life-threatening bronchospasm
- Severe peripheral artery disease — significant claudication or critical limb ischaemia
- Severe kidney impairment — Atenolol accumulates dangerously; dose reduction required
- Phaeochromocytoma without prior alpha-blocker cover
- Metabolic acidosis
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — consult cardiologist before use
- Children under 18 years
Side Effects
Common: Fatigue and tiredness (تھکاوٹ), slow heart rate (دل کی دھڑکن کا سست ہونا), dizziness especially on standing, cold hands and feet, mild headache, sleep disturbances, mild nausea, mild depression — generally manageable and often improve after the first few weeks of treatment.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Severely slow heart rate below 50 beats per minute with dizziness or fainting (دل کی دھڑکن بہت سست — فوری ہسپتال جائیں), sudden severe worsening of chest pain — particularly dangerous if Blokium stopped abruptly (فوری مدد لیں), significant worsening of heart failure — sudden breathlessness with rapid weight gain and severe ankle swelling (فوری ہسپتال جائیں), significant worsening of asthma or bronchospasm after taking tablet (فوری مدد لیں), severely low blood pressure with fainting (بے ہوشی — فوری مدد لیں), severe allergic reaction with swelling of face or throat, significant worsening of peripheral circulation — severely cold or painful limbs with skin colour changes.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Verapamil / Diltiazem | Severely dangerous combination — additive cardiac depression causing heart block and dangerous bradycardia — never combine without strict specialist supervision |
| Antiarrhythmics (Amiodarone, Digoxin) | Additive cardiac conduction slowing — increased heart block and bradycardia risk |
| Other antihypertensives | Additive blood pressure lowering — increased hypotension and dizziness risk |
| NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Reduce antihypertensive effectiveness of Atenolol — avoid regular combined use |
| Antidiabetic medicines (Insulin, oral hypoglycaemics) | Atenolol masks hypoglycaemia warning signs including rapid heartbeat — monitor blood glucose closely |
| Clonidine | Never stop Clonidine abruptly while on Atenolol — causes severe dangerous rebound hypertension |
| Sympathomimetics (adrenaline, decongestants) | Increased blood pressure and heart rate — use with caution |
| Rifampicin | Reduces Atenolol effectiveness — monitor blood pressure response |
| Anaesthetic agents | Increased cardiovascular depression during surgery — always inform anaesthetist before any procedure |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases blood pressure lowering and dizziness — avoid excessive consumption |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Can Blokium 100mg be stopped if heart rate becomes too slow? Never stop suddenly under any circumstances — abrupt Atenolol discontinuation causes dangerous rebound hypertension and can trigger severe unstable angina or a life-threatening heart attack even in patients with previously stable disease. Always contact your cardiologist immediately if heart rate concerns arise for a supervised gradual dose reduction plan.
Q: Is Blokium 100mg safe for patients with mild asthma? Atenolol is cardioselective — however even cardioselective beta-blockers can worsen bronchospasm in asthma patients, particularly at higher doses like 100mg where selectivity is less pronounced. Blokium 100mg is contraindicated in significant asthma — always inform your cardiologist of any breathing condition before starting any beta-blocker.
Q: What is the difference between Blokium 100mg and Blokium Diu 100mg? Blokium 100mg contains Atenolol alone — used when only beta-blockade is required. Blokium Diu 100mg combines Atenolol 100mg with Chlorthalidone 25mg diuretic — used when both cardiac workload reduction and fluid volume reduction are needed for more comprehensive blood pressure control in patients not adequately controlled by Atenolol alone.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription medicine.