Atenolol

Cardiology

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.

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WardRound

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