Atenolol :

5.      Atenolol :

Trade name: Normatin

Class: Beta-adrenergic blocking agent   

   Pregnancy: (Category D)

      

 Action: Beta-adrenoceptor blocking " anti hypertensive, anti anginal"

Uses:

·        Hypertension.       

·        Angina pectoris.      

Dose: by mouth, Hypertension, 50 mg daily (higher doses rarely necessary)
Angina, 100 mg daily in 1 or 2 doses                                                
Arrhythmias, 50–100 mg daily      
 By intravenous injection, arrhythmias, 2.5 mg at a rate of                                            1 mg/minute, repeated at 5-minute intervals to a max. Of 10 mg

Contraindications:

·        Bradycardia, C.H.F., cardiogenic shock, diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchospasm, emphysema.

Side effects:

·        Bradycardia, C.H.F., hypotension, cold extremities (due to peripheral vasoconstriction), edema, dyspnia, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, hepatomegaly and bronchospasm.

Nursing considerations:

• For IV use, the drug may be diluted in sodium chloride, dextrose, on dextrose saline.
• Instruct patient/family to take blood pressure and pulse.
• Provide written instructions as when to call physician (e.g. HR below 50 beat/min).
• Instruct patient to dress warmly during cold weather.

• Diabetic patient should be very careful about symptoms of hypoglycemia.

• Report any asthma-like symptoms.

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