Title: Atenolol – Uses, Mechanism, Dosage, Side Effects, and Brands

 

Explore detailed insights on Atenolol including its mechanism of action, indications, dosage, side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, and brand names. A must-read for medical professionals and students.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction  

2. Mechanism of Action  

3. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics  

4. Indications  

5. Drug of Choice  

6. Dosage  

7. Contraindications  

8. Side Effects  

9. Drug Interactions  

10. Brand Names and Prices  

11. Conclusion  

1. Introduction:

*Atenolol* is a cardio-selective *beta-blocker* commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions such as *hypertension*, *angina*, and *arrhythmias*. It works by blocking β1-adrenergic receptors, thereby reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Mechanism of Action:

Atenolol selectively blocks β1 receptors in the heart, leading to:

- Decreased heart rate

- Reduced myocardial oxygen demand

- Lowered cardiac output

This action helps manage hypertension and reduces the frequency of angina attacks.

3. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics:

- *Absorption:* ~50% orally  

- *Onset:* 1 hour  

- *Peak effect:* 2–4 hours  

- *Half-life:* 6–9 hours  

- *Excretion:* Renal (mainly unchanged)

4. Indications:

- Hypertension  

- Angina pectoris  

- Myocardial infarction (secondary prevention)  

- Supraventricular arrhythmias  

- Migraine prophylaxis (off-label)

5. Drug of Choice:

Atenolol is considered a preferred beta-blocker in:

- Stable angina  

- Patients with prior myocardial infarction  

- Young patients with hypertension and tachycardia

6. Dosage:

*Adults:*  

- *Hypertension:* 50–100 mg once daily  

- *Angina:* 50–100 mg once daily  

- *Post-MI:* 100 mg once daily  

Dosage must be adjusted in renal impairment.

7. Contraindications:

- Sinus bradycardia  

- Heart block >1st degree  

- Cardiogenic shock  

- Severe peripheral arterial disease  

- Untreated pheochromocytoma (without alpha-blockade)

8. Side Effects:

- Bradycardia  

- Fatigue  

- Cold extremities  

- Depression  

- Erectile dysfunction  

- Masking hypoglycemia symptoms in diabetics

9. Drug Interactions:

- Additive bradycardia with *calcium channel blockers* (e.g. verapamil)

- Reduced effect with *NSAIDs*  

- Caution with *anti-arrhythmic drugs* (may increase AV block)

10. Brand Names and Prices:

- *Tenormin*  

- *Atenolol Sandoz*  

- *Atenix*  

- *Normiten*  

- *Atenoget*

*Prices* vary by country and brand, generally between *0.10–0.50 per tablet* depending on dose.

11. Conclusion:

Atenolol remains a well-established beta-blocker with proven benefits in cardiac care. Its cardio-selectivity and once-daily dosing make it convenient and effective, especially in patients with angina and post-MI history. However, patient-specific factors and contraindications should always be considered before initiating therapy.