Atenolol (a ten' oh lol) is considered a “selective” beta-adrenergic receptor blocker in that it has potent activity against beta-1 adrenergic receptors which are found in cardiac muscle, but has little or no activity against beta-2 adrenergic receptors found on bronchial and vascular smooth muscle.
Atenolol was approved for use in the United States in 1981 and is still widely used in the therapy of hypertension and angina pectoris. Atenolol is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Atenolol is available in 25, 50 and 100 mg tablets in generic forms as well as under the trade name of Tenormin. It is also available in fixed combinations with a diuretic such as chlorthalidone (Tenoretic and others). Parenteral formulations for intravenous use are also available.
The usual oral dose of atenolol in adults is 25 to 50 mg once daily initially, with subsequent adjustment based upon clinical response and tolerance, but rarely beyond 100 mg daily.
Common side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, depression, memory loss and impotence. At high doses, atenolol is less cardioselective and can cause bronchospasm. As with all beta-blockers, sudden withdrawal can trigger rebound hypertension.
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