Level 3

Cardio-selective beta blocker

1. hypertension
2. angina
3. tachydysrhythmias, and
4. in the acute phase of myocardial infarction and prevention
of reinfarction.

As 25/50/100 mg tablets (and in fixed-dose combinations), a 0.5% syrup, and as a clear,
colourless solution for injection containing 0.5 mg/ml of atenolol.

Atenolol acts by reversible, competitive blockade of
cardiac beta-1 receptors and also has some action at beta-2 receptors.

CVS:
- decreased sinus node automaticity and AV node conduction
- Negative inotropic and chronotropic effects – decreased MVO2
- prolonged antihypertensive effect

Metabolic: inc TG, and dec HDL-cholesterol

- exacerbation of peripheral vascular
Disease
- bronchospasm
- masking of the signs of hypoglycaemia
- depression
- impotence
- altered bowel habits

Oral BA 50%

3%

0.7 L/kg

<10% metabolized in liver

Urine - unchanged

6-9hrs

PO
Dose 50-100mg daily
IV
2.5-10mg, may be administered at a rate of 1mg/min

Beta Blocker

Antiarrhythmic –
Vaughan Williams Class II
Beta blocker

Atenolol acts by reversible, competitive blockade of cardiac beta-1 receptors and also has some action at beta-2 receptors.