Atenolol
Generic Details
Generic Name
Atenolol
Other Names
- Tenormin
Drug Class
- Beta-blocker
Chemical Formula
C14H22N2O3
Molecular Weight
266.34 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist
Indications
- Hypertension
- Angina
- Myocardial infarction
- Arrhythmias
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 25-100 mg per day, usually as a single dose or divided into two doses
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower doses may be required due to decreased renal function
Side Effects
- Bradycardia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Hypotension
- Cold extremities
Contraindications
- Heart block greater than 1st degree
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Severe bradycardia
- Asthma
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- Considered compatible with breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Calcium channel blockers
- Insulin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Overdose Symptoms
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Cardiac arrest
Antidote for Overdose
- Atropine
- Isoproterenol
- Pacing
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta; excreted in breast milk
- Metabolism: Undergoes hepatic metabolism
- Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine
Precautions
- Use with caution in diabetics
- Abrupt withdrawal may precipitate angina or exacerbate myocardial infarction
Warnings
- Do not abruptly discontinue therapy
- May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetics