Atenolol Compounded Soft Chews for Dogs

Description

Atenolol Compounded Soft Chews are a prescription medication prepared specifically for an individual dog according to a veterinarian's directions. Atenolol is a selective beta₁-adrenergic receptor blocker used in veterinary medicine to help manage certain cardiovascular conditions, particularly some types of cardiac arrhythmias.

By blocking beta₁ receptors in the heart, atenolol decreases the effects of sympathetic stimulation. This can slow heart rate, decrease cardiac workload, and help regulate certain abnormal heart rhythms. Atenolol may also be prescribed for other cardiovascular conditions when a veterinarian determines beta-blockade is appropriate.

Atenolol Compounded Soft Chews feature a beef steak flavor designed to make administration easier for dogs. Each soft chew is individually sealed in a blister pack to help maintain freshness and soft texture. Refrigeration is not required.

Uses & Benefits

• Helps manage certain cardiac arrhythmias
• Helps regulate 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
• May be used as part of an individualized cardiac treatment plan
• Compounded formulation allows individualized veterinary dosing
• Soft chew dosage form can simplify medication administration
• Beef steak flavor helps improve palatability
• Individually sealed blister packs help maintain freshness and texture
• Does not require refrigeration

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 are involved in regulating heart rate and cardiac activity.

By blocking these receptors, atenolol reduces sympathetic stimulation of the heart. This helps slow heart rate and decrease the amount of work and oxygen required by the heart while helping control certain abnormal heart rhythms.

Atenolol is beta₁-selective and therefore has less potential to contribute to bronchospasm than nonselective beta blockers, although this selectivity can decrease at higher doses.

Indications

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

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

Use of atenolol for cardiovascular disease in dogs is generally extra-label and should be prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Atenolol, compounded to the strength prescribed by the veterinarian

Inactive Ingredients:

• Beef steak flavor
• Refer to pharmacy label for complete inactive ingredient information.

Directions

Administer orally exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Give the prescribed amount according to the veterinarian's directions. The medication is compounded specifically for the individual dog based on the veterinary prescription.

Soft chews are individually sealed in blister packaging. Remove the prescribed chew from the blister when ready to administer and keep unused chews in their original packaging.

Weight / Dosage

Dosage is individualized according to the dog's body weight, cardiovascular condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications.

Veterinary references provide a general oral dosage range for dogs of:

• 0.2–1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours

Some veterinary cardiovascular references provide ranges up to 1.5 mg/kg every 12 hours, depending on the condition being treated and the veterinarian's treatment plan.

Atenolol generally requires gradual dose titration, particularly in dogs with certain cardiac conditions. Always administer the specific compounded strength and dosage prescribed by the veterinarian.

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.
• For use in dogs.
• 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 unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
• Use cautiously in dogs with kidney disease, diabetes, certain respiratory conditions, or certain cardiac conditions.
• Atenolol may not be appropriate for dogs with significant bradycardia, certain conduction abnormalities, or decompensated heart failure unless specifically managed by a veterinarian.
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog receives.
• Keep out of reach of children and other animals.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects associated with atenolol may include:

• Tiredness or lethargy / Reduced exercise tolerance / Slow heart rate / Low blood pressure / Gastrointestinal upset

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

Individual dogs may respond differently to atenolol. Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops significant weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing, persistent gastrointestinal upset, unusual lethargy, or another unexpected or concerning reaction.

Precautions

• Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian
• Heart rate, heart rhythm, cardiac function, and blood pressure may require monitoring during treatment
• Atenolol should generally be started and adjusted gradually according to veterinary direction
• Do not abruptly discontinue long-term atenolol therapy
• Use cautiously in dogs with kidney disease
• Use cautiously in dogs with diabetes because beta blockers may affect responses to low blood sugar
• Use cautiously in dogs with certain respiratory or cardiac conditions
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements the dog receives
• Atenolol may interact with certain cardiovascular medications, anesthetics, insulin, and other drugs
• Consult your veterinarian regarding use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing dogs
• Do not change the prescribed strength, dose, or frequency without veterinary direction

Storage

Store at room temperature. Refrigeration is not required. Keep each soft chew in its individually sealed blister packaging until ready to administer. Protect from excessive heat and moisture. These compounded soft chews may melt when exposed to extreme heat. Do not expose to temperatures above 115°F.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired compounded 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.