Cardiology · β₁-selective blocker (hydrophilic)
Atenolol
Dose
25–100 mg OD.
Mechanism
β₁ blockade with minimal CNS penetration.
Indications
- • Hypertension
- • Angina
- • Rate control AF
Contraindications
- • Severe bradycardia
- • Uncontrolled HF
- • Asthma
Dose adjustment
CrCl 15–35: max 50 mg/day; CrCl <15: 25 mg alternate days
Use
Second-line β-blocker (fewer prognostic data than bisoprolol).
Monitoring
HR, BP, renal function.
Side effects
- • Bradycardia
- • Fatigue
- • Bronchospasm
Pregnancy safety
Avoid — IUGR.
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
