ATENOLOL (TENORMIN)

CLASSIFICATION

Beta adrenoceptor blocking drug

MODE OF ACTION

Specifically a cardiac beta receptor antagonist. It has anti anginal effect due to decreased left ventricular work and decreased oxygen utilisation by a decreased in the heart rate. It has an anti arrhythmic effect due to its anti sympathetic effect of depressing sinus and atrioventricular node function and prolongation of atrial refractory period.

INDICATIONS

� Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias

� Angina

 � AMI

� Hypertension

� Overdose of certain drugs

� Thyrotoxicosis

PHARMOCOLOGY

Atenolol serum half life is 7 - 9 hours (orally)

CONTRA INDICATIONS

� Bronchospasm - cholinergic disorder predisposition to bronchospasm.

 � Obstructive lung disease.

� Cardiac failure.

� AV block.

� Bradycardia.

 � Cardiogenic shock

� Raynard disease

� Pulmonary hypertension

 � Pregnancy lactation

PRECAUTIONS

� Diabetes Mellitus - may mask signs of hypoglycaemia

� Use with caution in patients with Renal failure, hyperthyroidism, PVD, phaeochromocytoma.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

� Tiredness and lethargy

 � Bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac failure

 � Bronchospasm

PRESENTATION

� Atenolol 5 mg in 10 ml ampoule Atenolol 50 mg tablet

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

� I.V administer 1 mg per minute up to a dose of 5 mg, until desired effect . � Atenolol dose may be repeated at 5 minutely intervals to a total dose of 15 mg

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

� Monitor heart rate and rhythm continuously and check blood pressure each minute prior to next increment.