Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat certain heart conditions such as arrhythmias. It may also be used to lower blood pressure and treat enlarged hearts in cats. Atenolol requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases blood pressure. When your pet’s blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen to the heart is increased.
Description
Atenolol is a medication used to treat certain heart diseases, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) for dogs and cats. Atenolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. It is used for the treatment of heart disease, including arrhythmias, in cats, dogs, and certain other small animals. It slows the heart rate and causes the heart to work more efficiently. Atenolol works by blocking a specific type of receptor in the heart. This decreases the heart rate, blood pressure, and the workload of the heart. Atenolol tablets are given by mouth, with or without food. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Atenolol will not cure heart disease, but will help manage the symptoms. Atenolol will need to be used on a long-term basis to provide the best results.
Uses/benefits of Atenolol For Dogs
- Treats cardiovascular diseases and conditions (hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and angina (chest pain))
- Also, lowers blood pressure and treats enlarged hearts in cats
- May reduce risk of heart complications following a heart attack
- Atenolol is prescribed to lower blood pressure and for other issues related to heart disease.
- It is used in dogs and cats to slow and regulate the heart to make it work more efficiently.
- Atenolol may also be prescribed to treat enlarged heart and irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
Efficacy
Atenolol is the most commonly used beta-blocker in veterinary medicine. It works by blocking the receptors on the heart that respond to adrenaline as a result of stress or excitement. This leads to a slower heart rate, more efficient function of the heart, and reduced blood pressure. It also helps suppress cardiac arrhythmias (or abnormal heartbeats).
As a result, atenolol for dogs is used to treat a number of conditions. These include heart diseases like subaortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; tachycardia; hyperthyroidism; and high blood pressure. It’s also frequently combined with digoxin when treating atrial fibrillation in dogs. However, one study has also shown that atenolol doesn’t influence survival time in dogs with severe subaortic stenosis.
Side Effects
- Side effects occur more frequently in older animals and those that are unstable due to cardiac disease.
- The most common side effects include bradycardia, conduction disturbances, hypotension, depression, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Precautions
- Beta blockers such as atenolol should not be used in animals that are hypotensive or bradycardic. They should not be used in animals with peripheral vascular disease or arterial thromboembolism.
- Beta blockers, such as atenolol, should not be used in patients with congestive heart failure until the animal is stabilized (usually with diuretics and ACEI’s).
- Beta blockers should be used with additional caution in animals with sinus node dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and diabetes.
- Older cats, particularly those with renal problems, may need additional monitoring.
- Atenolol therapy should not be started prior to surgery due to potential drug interactions with anesthetic agents.
- Atenolol crosses the placenta and is found in maternal milk.
- Therapy with atenolol or other beta blockers should not be withdrawn abruptly. The dose should be tapered gradually.
Direction
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Atenolol can be given with or without food. Atenolol should be given with lots of water. not stop giving atenolol abruptly unless you are directed to do so by the veterinarian. Stopping abruptly may make the condition worse. Store atenolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
- Atenolol is a beta-blocker available by prescription and used in dogs, cats, and ferrets to treat certain heart conditions such as arrhythmias.
- Atenolol is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
- Atenolol is also used to lower blood pressure and to treat enlarged hearts in cats.
Tip: Do not stop giving atenolol abruptly unless you are directed to do so by your veterinarian. Stopping abruptly may make the condition worse. Atenolol may cause drowsiness.
| Pet | Weight | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs/Cats: | All weights | The usual dose and the frequency of administration are based on the condition and your pet’s response to treatment. Atenolol should be given as directed by your veterinarian. |
Prices of Atenolol For Dogs
$9.95 – $17.88