Atenolol

Products

Atenolol is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Tenormin, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 1976 and is also combined fixed with chlortalidone (Tenoretic).

Structure and properties

Atenolol (C14H22N2O3, Mr = 266.3 g/mol) is a racemate. It exists as a white powder that is sparingly soluble in water.

Effects

Atenolol (ATC C07AB03) has antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic properties and reduces heart rate and cardiac work. It is a beta1-selective and hydrophilic beta blocker with no membrane-stabilizing or intrinsic sympathomimetic effects. The effects are due to selective and competitive antagonism at beta1-adrenoceptors. The half-life is approximately 6 hours.

Indications

  • Hypertension
  • Angina pectoris
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Long-term prophylaxis for status post myocardial infarction.

Dosage

According to the professional information. The tablets are usually taken once a day, independently of meals and always at the same time of day.

Contraindications

Atenolol is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, metabolic acidosis, severe peripheral circulatory disturbances, AV block, sick sinus syndrome, untreated pheochromocytoma, and decompensated heart failure. For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been described with the following agents:

  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Dihydropyridine
  • Antiarrythmic agents
  • Clonidine
  • Anesthetics
  • Digitalis glycosides
  • Sympathomimetics
  • NSAIDS

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include fatigue, a deep pulse, cold extremities, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.