Feedback
Join Now | Sign in
My Healthline
Free Newsletters
 

Drug Notebook

Generic Name: atenolol

View All Brands
Tenormin
A cardioselective beta blocker - treats Supraventricular Tachycardia, Alcohol Withdrawal, Myocardial... more
Search Drug Notebook
Hide
Your search results:
Search the atenolol Drug Notebook
Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
Pill Finder
Search by color, shape and markings. click here
Drug Interaction Checker
Check any 2 drugs for interactions. click here
Drug Compare
Compare any two drugs side by side. click here
Healthline Part D Plan Selector Medicare Part D
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
Licensed from
atenolol
Page: < Back 1 2 3 4 Next >
(ah TEN oh lol)

Drug Interactions

Specific Drugs

Drug Interaction Comments
β-Adrenergic blocking agents Potential additive effect Adjust initial and subsequent atenolol dosage downward based on clinical findings (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate)
Anesthetics, general (myocardial depressant) Increased risk of hypotension and heart failure Use with caution (see Anesthesia and Major Surgery under Cautions)
Calcium-channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem)

Additive hypotensive effect; may be used to therapeutic advantage

Potential for bradycardia and heart block, increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure

Adjust dosage carefully

Patients with preexisting conduction abnormalities or left ventricular dysfunction particularly susceptible

Catecholamine-depleting drugs (e.g., reserpine) Potential for additive effects (increased hypotension and marked bradycardia) Monitor closely for symptoms (e.g., vertigo, syncope, postural hypotension)
Clonidine May exacerbate rebound hypertension following discontinuance of clonidine Discontinue atenolol therapy several days before clonidine discontinuance. If replacing clonidine, delay initiation of atenolol for several days after stopping clonidine
Hydralazine Additive hypotensive effect; may be used to therapeutic advantage Adjust dosage carefully
Methyldopa Additive or potentiated hypotensive effect; may be used to therapeutic advantage Adjust dosage carefully when used concurrently
NSAIAs (e.g., indomethacin, aspirin) Potential for decreased atenolol antihypertensive effect Studies indicate no clinically important interaction; concomitant administration appears safe and effective

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

50–60% following oral administration.

Onset

1 hour following oral administration. Within 5 minutes following IV administration.

Duration

At least 24 hours following oral administration (antihypertensive and β-adrenergic blocking effects). About 12 hours following IV administration (effect on heart rate).

Special Populations

In geriatric patients, plasma concentrations are increased.

Distribution

Extent

Well distributed into most tissues and fluids except brain and CSF.

Readily crosses the placenta, has been detected in cord blood.

Distributed into milk in concentrations higher than those in serum.

Plasma Protein Binding

Approximately 6–16%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Little or no hepatic metabolism.

Elimination Route

40–50% excreted unchanged in urine following oral administration; remainder in feces, principally as unabsorbed drug.

Half-life

6–7 hours.

Special Populations

In patients with Clcr 15–35 mL/minute per 1.73 m2, plasma half-life is increased to 16–27 hours; in progressive renal impairment plasma half-life is >27 hours.

In geriatric patients, total clearance is decreased by about 50%, plasma half-life is prolonged.

Hemodialysis: 1–12% removed.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

Tight, light-resistant containers at 20–25°.

Tablets (Atenolol and Chlorthalidone)

Tight, light-resistant containers at 20–25°.

Parenteral

Injection

20–25°.

Protect from light.

Compatibility

Parenteral

Solution Compatibility

Manufacturer states that dilutions in dextrose injection, sodium chloride injection, or sodium chloride and dextrose injection are stable for 48 hours if not used immediately.

Drug Compatibility

Y-Site Compatibility
Compatible
Meperidine HCl
Meropenem
Morphine sulfate
Incompatible
Amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex
Page: < Back 1 2 3 4 Next >
Uses Dosage and Administration Cautions Drug Interactions Pharmacokinetics Stability Actions Advice to Patients Preparations
Related Learning
Centers
·As a Drug
Angina
Atherosclerosis
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Flutter
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Coronary Heart Disease (CAD)
Essential Hypertension
Heart Attack
High Blood Pressure
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive Renal Disease
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Left Heart Failure
Mitral Valve Disease
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PVST)
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Social Anxiety Disorder
Stable Angina

Advertisement
Back to Top