Atenolol: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in angina pectoris and hypertension

Atenolol is a beta-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking drug without partial agonist or membrane stabilising activity. Its profile of action most closely resembles that of metoprolol which differs only in that it has some membrane stabilising activity. Atenolol has been well studied and is effective in the treatment of hypertension and in the prophylactic management of angina. Its narrow dose response range obviates the need for highly individualised dose titration. In patients with angina its long duration of beta-blocking activity allows once daily dosage, whereas other beta-blockers, unless in sustained release dosage forms, need to be given in divided doses. Other beta-blockers can be given once daily in hypertension, but at presnt the evidence for effective control with a once daily regimen is more convincing with atenolol. Further studies are need to clarify any important differences in blood pressure control between the various beta-blocking drugs, both in conventional or sustained release dosage forms. As with metoprolol, atenolol is preferable to non-selective beta-blockers in patients with asthma or diabetes mellitus. Atenolol has been well tolerated in most patients, its profile of adverse reactions gene...Continue Reading