What is atenolol for
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Atenolol: Therapeutic Uses and Efficacy
Introduction to Atenolol
Atenolol is a selective beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, commonly known as a beta-blocker, with a duration of activity lasting at least 24 hours . It is primarily used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain types of arrhythmias .
Atenolol for Hypertension
Efficacy in Blood Pressure Reduction
Atenolol is effective in reducing blood pressure across all grades of hypertension. Comparative studies have shown that atenolol, when administered orally, lowers blood pressure to a similar extent as other beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists, and other antihypertensive agents . It is particularly effective in elderly patients and women with pregnancy-associated hypertension .
Long-Term Benefits
Long-term use of atenolol has been associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality in patients with hypertension . This makes it a valuable option for managing chronic hypertension and preventing related complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Atenolol for Angina Pectoris
Prophylactic Management
Atenolol is well-studied and effective in the prophylactic management of angina pectoris. Its long duration of beta-blocking activity allows for once-daily dosing, which is convenient for patients. It improves both objective and subjective indices in patients with stable angina, reducing the frequency and severity of anginal attacks .
Atenolol for Arrhythmias
Supraventricular Arrhythmias
Atenolol is used to prevent the recurrence of supraventricular arrhythmias once control is achieved through intravenous administration. This makes it a useful option for maintaining rhythm stability in patients with these types of arrhythmias .
Atenolol in Myocardial Infarction
Early Intervention and Maintenance Therapy
Early intervention with intravenous atenolol followed by oral maintenance therapy has been shown to reduce infarct recurrence and cardiovascular mortality in patients with known or suspected myocardial infarction . This highlights its importance in acute and post-acute care settings for heart attack patients.
Safety and Tolerability
General Tolerability
Atenolol is generally well tolerated by most patients. It has a lower incidence of central nervous system effects compared to other beta-blockers like propranolol, due to its low lipid solubility and limited brain penetration . Common side effects include cold extremities, fatigue, and diarrhea, but these are typically mild.
Special Considerations
Atenolol should be used with caution in patients with obstructive airways disease, although it is preferable to non-selective beta-blockers in such cases. Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with renal impairment due to its elimination profile.
Conclusion
Atenolol is a well-established beta-blocker with a broad range of therapeutic uses in cardiovascular medicine. It is effective in managing hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain arrhythmias, and it plays a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. Its safety profile and long-term benefits make it a valuable option for many patients with cardiovascular conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic