Atenolol(a ten’ o lole)
Apo-Atenolol (CAN), Gen-Atenolol (CAN), Novo-Atenol (CAN), ratio-Atenolol (CAN), Tenormin
PREGNANCY CATEGORY D
Drug Classes
Antianginal
Antihypertensive
Beta1-selective adrenergic blocker
Therapeutic Actions
Blocks beta-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system in the heart and juxtaglomerular apparatus (kidney), thus decreasing the excitability of the heart, decreasing cardiac output and oxygen consumption, decreasing the release of renin from the kidney, and lowering BP.
Indications
Treatment of angina pectoris due to coronary atherosclerosis
Hypertension, alone or with other drugs, especially diuretics
Treatment of MI in hemodynamically stable patients
Unlabeled uses: Prevention of migraine headaches; treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias; prevention of variceal bleeding; unstable angina
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree heart block, cardiogenic shock, pregnancy, hypersensitivity to any component of the drug.
Use cautiously with renal failure, diabetes or thyrotoxicosis (atenolol can mask the usual cardiac signs of hypoglycemia and thyrotoxicosis), lactation, respiratory disease (including bronchospastic disease), heart failure (controlled by digoxin or diuretics).
Available Forms
Tablets—25, 50, 100 mg
Dosages
Adults
Hypertension: Initially, 50 mg PO once a day; after 1–2 wk, dose may be increased to 100 mg/day.
Angina pectoris: Initially, 50 mg PO daily. If optimal response is not achieved in 1 wk, increase to 100 mg daily; up to 200 mg/day may be needed.
Acute MI: 100 mg PO daily or 50 mg PO bid for 6–9 days or until discharge from the hospital.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established.
Geriatric patients or patients with renal impairment
Dosage reduction is required because atenolol is excreted through the kidneys. For elderly patients, use initial dose of 25 mg/day PO. The following dosage is suggested for patients with renal impairment:
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