Atenolol

Pronunciation

Atenolol 100mg

Atenolol 50mg

Common Strengths

Atenolol is available in the following strengths:

• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg[1]

Trade Name

• Tenormin

Mechanism of Action

Atenolol is a beta1-selective (cardioselctive) beta-blocker. It blocks the action of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) on the beta-1 receptors in the heart. This slows the heart rate, reduces the force of heart contractions, and decreases blood pressure. This preferential effect is not absolute, however, and at higher doses, atenolol inhibits beta2-adrenorecptors, chiefly located in the bronchial and vascular musculature.[2]

Route of Administration

Atenolol is available as an oral tablet for oral administration.[1]

Dosages

• Hypertension
  • Initial dose of 50 mg once daily, may be increased to 100 mg once daily if needed.[3]
• Angina
  • 25-50 mg once daily, maintenance 50-200 mg once daily, max 200 mg/day [3]
• Heart failure
  • Dosage not specified
• Diabetic kidney disease
  • Dosage should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. Significant accumulation occurs when creatinine clearance falls below 35 mL/min.[2]

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Very common (≥ 1/10)	Bradycardia
Common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10)	Cold hands and feet
	Diarrhea
	Nausea
	Fatigue [1]
Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)	Depression
	Disturbed Sleep [1]

Pharmacokinetics

• Well absorbed from GI tract
• Peak plasma levels in 2-4 hours
• Extensively metabolized in liver
• Elimination half-life 6-7 hours
• Excreted in urine