Atenolol Tablets

Description

Atenolol Tablets are a prescription beta-blocker medication used in dogs and cats as part of an individualized cardiovascular treatment plan. Veterinarians may prescribe atenolol for certain abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiovascular conditions when beta-blockade is appropriate.

Atenolol is a selective beta₁-adrenergic receptor blocker. By reducing beta₁-adrenergic stimulation of the heart, it can decrease heart rate and cardiac workload and help control certain abnormal heart rhythms.

Atenolol should be administered only under veterinary supervision. The appropriate dose and frequency depend on the individual pet's condition, response to treatment, and other medications being administered.

Uses & Benefits

• Helps manage certain cardiac arrhythmias
• Helps control certain abnormal or excessively rapid heart rhythms
• Helps decrease heart rate
• Helps reduce cardiac workload
• Reduces beta₁-adrenergic stimulation of the heart
• May be prescribed for certain cardiovascular conditions
• Can be used in dogs and cats when prescribed by a veterinarian
• Oral tablet formulation
• May be used as part of a long-term cardiovascular management plan
• Allows veterinarian-directed dosing based on the individual pet's needs

How It Works

Atenolol is a selective beta₁-adrenergic receptor antagonist, commonly referred to as a beta blocker.

Beta₁ receptors are primarily located in the heart and play an important role in regulating heart rate and cardiac activity. By blocking these receptors, atenolol reduces the effects of sympathetic stimulation on the heart.

This action can decrease heart rate and cardiac workload and help control certain abnormal heart rhythms.

Atenolol is considered beta₁-selective, giving it less potential to cause or contribute to bronchospasm than nonselective beta blockers, although this selectivity may decrease at higher doses.

Indications

For veterinarian-directed use in dogs and cats for certain cardiovascular conditions.

• Cardiac arrhythmias / Abnormal heart rhythms / Heart rate control / Certain cardiovascular conditions / Veterinarian-directed cardiac management

Use in dogs and cats should be prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Atenolol

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients vary by manufacturer, so the exact ingredients should be verified on the label of the product dispensed. 

Refer to manufacturer label for complete inactive ingredient information for the specific product dispensed.

Directions

Administer orally exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Atenolol may be administered with or without food unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Administer doses consistently and at approximately the same times each day when possible.

Do not change the prescribed dose or frequency without veterinary direction.

Do not discontinue atenolol abruptly. If treatment needs to be discontinued, gradual dose reduction may be recommended by the veterinarian.

Weight / Dosage

Dosage is determined by the veterinarian according to the pet's species, body weight, cardiovascular condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications.

General veterinary reference ranges include:

Dogs

• 0.2–1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours

Cats

• 1–2.5 mg/kg orally every 12 hours, or
• 6.25–12.5 mg per cat orally every 12 hours

Dosage may need to be gradually adjusted based on the animal's clinical response and cardiovascular status.

Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow all dosing and administration instructions provided on the prescription label and by your veterinarian. Do not adjust the dose, frequency, route, or duration of administration unless directed by your veterinarian.

Cautions

• For animal use only.
• Federal law restricts this medication to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• Use only for the animal for which the medication was prescribed.
• Administer exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
• Do not discontinue atenolol abruptly without veterinary direction.
• Use cautiously in animals with certain cardiovascular conditions.
• Use cautiously in animals with kidney disease, diabetes, or certain respiratory conditions.
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your pet receives.
• Keep out of reach of children and other animals.
• Veterinary monitoring may be necessary during treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects associated with atenolol may include:

• Lethargy / Tiredness / Vomiting / Diarrhea / Decreased appetite / Slow heart rate / Low blood pressure

More concerning reactions may include significant weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing, or worsening cardiovascular signs.

Individual animals may respond differently to atenolol. Contact your veterinarian if side effects become severe or persistent or if your pet develops another unexpected or concerning reaction.

Precautions

• Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian
• Heart rate, heart rhythm, cardiovascular function, and blood pressure may require monitoring during treatment
• Atenolol may require gradual dosage adjustment based on the animal's response
• Do not abruptly discontinue long-term atenolol therapy
• Use cautiously in animals with kidney disease
• Use cautiously in animals with diabetes
• Use cautiously in animals with certain respiratory or cardiovascular conditions
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements the pet receives
• Other cardiovascular medications may affect the response to atenolol
• Use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing animals only under veterinary direction
• Do not change the prescribed dose or frequency without consulting your veterinarian

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature. Protect from excessive heat and moisture. Keep tablets in the original container with the lid tightly closed and store away from direct sunlight.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired medication according to your veterinarian's, pharmacist's, or local medication disposal recommendations.
Do not give leftover medication to another animal. Keep discarded medication where children and animals cannot access it.