Atenolol is a relatively selective β1 blocker with low lipid solubility. It is incompletely absorbed orally, but first-pass metabolism is not significant. The drug has a longer duration of action, and hence once-daily dose is often recommended.
Mechanism of action.
- It blocks the response to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
- It is cardioselective for beta1 receptors at low doses, with little or no effect on beta2 receptors.
Clinical use
Used in the management of :
- Hypertension.
- Angina pectoris.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
- Post myocardial infarction.
- Prevention of migraine.
Adverse effects.
- Fatigue and nausea.
· Postural hypotension and bradycardia.
· Cold extremities.
· Depression, drowsiness, and diarrhea.
Drug interaction.
- Acebutolol and atenolol both increase anti-hypertensive channel blocking, hence should be closely monitored.
- Verapamil increases the toxicity of the drug.
Contraindication.
· Cardiogenic shock.
· Sinus bradycardia.
· Hypersensitivity to the drug.
· Sinus node dysfunction.
· Uncompensated cardiac failure
· Pulmonary edema.
Dosage
- BETACARD, ATEN, TENORMIN 25, 50, 100 mg tablet.
