Atenolol
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Tenormin |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihypertensive, antianginal |
| Pharmacologic class | Selective beta-1 blocker |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset about 1 hour; peak 2 to 4 hours; duration 24 hours. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life 6 to 7 hours (longer in renal impairment); no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | Atropine, glucagon for refractory overdose. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Generally avoided; associated with fetal growth restriction. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Atenolol (brand name Tenormin) — Antihypertensive, antianginal; Selective beta-1 blocker.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive, antianginal.
- Pharmacologic class: Selective beta-1 blocker.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Same beta-1 blockade; renally eliminated.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset about 1 hour; peak 2 to 4 hours; duration 24 hours.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 6 to 7 hours (longer in renal impairment); no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hypertension, angina, post-MI.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 25 to 100 mg PO once daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max about 100 mg/day; reduce dose in renal impairment.
Safety
- Contraindications: Severe bradycardia, heart block, decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock.
- Black box warning: No formal box; warning against abrupt discontinuation.
- Interactions: Calcium channel blockers, other antihypertensives, insulin (masks hypoglycemia).
- Pregnancy / lactation: Generally avoided; associated with fetal growth restriction.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Bradycardia, fatigue, cold extremities.
- Serious effects to report: Symptomatic bradycardia, heart block, hypotension.
- Antidote / reversal: Atropine, glucagon for refractory overdose.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Heart rate, blood pressure, renal function.
- Interventions during therapy: Hold for low heart rate or blood pressure; taper to stop.
- Monitor: Heart rate, blood pressure, renal function.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Blood pressure and angina control.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Daily pulse check; do not stop abruptly.
- Notify provider if: Very slow heartbeat, fainting.
- Administration tips: Consistent daily timing.