General Description
Atenolol is a beta blocker that is used to control the heart rate of pets with irregular heart rhythms. It is also an effective blood pressure reducer.
How It Works
Atenolol blocks the beta1 receptor of epinephrine. Epinephrine is commonly called adrenaline and is responsible for the elevated heart rate and "fight or flight" response when your pet is exposed to a stressor or fearful situation. By blocking the receptor for this hormone, the heart rate is decreased, the heart’s oxygen requirement is reduced, and the blood pressure is reduced, leaving you a calm pet with an unstressed heart.
Atenolol has reduced effects on the beta2 blocker, which causes it to have fewer unwanted side effects than a similar drug, propranolol.
Storage Information
Keep tablets in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
Missed Dose
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.
Side Effects and Drug Reactions
Atenolol may result in these side effects:
- Slowed heart rate
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Atenolol may react with these drugs:
- Anesthesia
- Anticholinergic
- Calcium channel blockers
- Negative Inotropes
- Phenothiazine
- Sympathomimetic
- Atropine sulfate
- Furosemide
- Hydralazine
- Insulin
- Lidocaine
- Prazosin
USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO DIABETIC PETS, PETS WITH HEART FAILURE, OR PETS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
