Continued use and effectiveness in controlling hypertension drive sales of beta blockers
One of the most commonly prescribed generic drugs for treating high blood pressure, atenolol is currently the eighth best-selling drug in Brazil. Used mainly in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina (chest pain), and arrhythmias, this beta blocker has proven its relevance over the years.
In continuous use, it has become one of the pillars in the treatment of hypertension—a condition that affects about 30% of the adult population in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Health. The drug works by blocking the effects of adrenaline in the body, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, which significantly lowers the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.
According to Tiago de Moraes Vicente, executive president of the Brazilian Association of Generic and Biosimilar Drug Manufacturers (PróGenéricos), atenolol is not the only hypertension drug on the best-seller list. “It is important to note that the ranking includes two other drugs widely used to control high blood pressure: enalapril and losartan. This reinforces not only the relevance of generic drugs, but also the diversity of therapeutic options available to patients, expanding access and personalization of treatment,” he explains.
10 best-selling generics in the country
Losartan
Sodium Dipyrone
Hydrochlorothiazide
Nimesulide
Tadalafil
Simethicone
Enalapril
Atenolol
Sildenafil
Simvastatin
Source: IQVIA – MAT February/2025
The trend is for demand for the drug to remain high in the coming years, in line with the aging of the population and the increase in the incidence of chronic diseases in the country.
In general, hypertension is inherited from parents in 90% of cases, but there are several factors that influence blood pressure levels, including:
Smoking;
Alcohol consumption;
Obesity;
Stress;
High salt intake;
High cholesterol levels;
Lack of physical activity.
Symptoms of hypertension may include chest pain, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, weakness, blurred vision, and nosebleeds.
Measuring blood pressure regularly is the only way to diagnose hypertension. People over the age of 20 should have their blood pressure measured at least once a year. If there are cases of high blood pressure in the family, it should be measured at least twice a year.
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