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.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Treats cardiovascular diseases and conditions (hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and angina (chest pain))
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Also, lowers blood pressure and treats enlarged hearts in cats
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May reduce risk of heart complications following a heart attack
How it works: 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.
Cautions: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, as they may interact with Atenolol. If your pet experiences any unusual side effects contact your veterinarian.
More Information:
Brand Name Tenormin (ICI)
Generic Name Atenolol
What is the most important information I should know about atenolol: Atenolol is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs, cats and ferrets. Atenolol is available as 25mg tablets. The usual dose and the frequency of administration is based on the condition and the animal's response to treatment. Do not stop giving atenolol abruptly unless you are directed to do so by the veterinarian. Stopping abruptly may make the condition worse. Call the veterinarian immediately if the pet has shortness of breath. Atenolol may cause drowsiness.
What is Atenolol: Atenolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulatory system (arteries and veins). Atenolol is used to treat certain heart conditions such as arrhythmias. It is also used to lower blood pressure and to treat enlarged hearts in cats. Atenolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving atenolol to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has asthma; heart problems such as low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, heart failure or other heart problems; diabetes; depression; thyroid disease; kidney disease; liver disease; or any type of circulatory disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: 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.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of atenolol overdose include a slow heart beat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea and vomiting.
What should I avoid while giving Atenolol to my pet: Atenolol may cause drowsiness. Tell the veterinarian your pet is taking atenolol prior to any surgery on the animal.
What are the possible side effects of Atenolol: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving atenolol and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives), wheezing or shortness of breath; an unusually slow or irregular heart beat; leg pain or cramping; sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving atenolol and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences upset fatigue or confusion; dizziness; diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea, or vomiting. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Atenolol: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given a heart medication such as diltiazem (Cardizem) or digoxin; insulin; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) such as carprofen (Rimadyl) or aspirin; a respiratory medication such as Albuterol (Ventolin); cimetidine (Tagamet); or prescription or over the counter cough medicines, or cold medicines. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with atenolol. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Atenolol written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
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 the veterinarian. Stopping abruptly may make the condition worse. Atenolol may cause drowsiness.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual dose and the frequency of administration are based on the condition and the animal’s response to treatment. Atenolol should be given as directed by the veterinarian
Cats:
All weights
The usual dose and the frequency of administration are based on the condition and the animal’s response to treatment. Atenolol should be given as directed by the veterinarian
Gus, an Alaskan Malamute, was born with a defective heart. The main problem is that the valve controlling flow of blood to the aorta is 5 times longer than normal hence causing his heart to work harder than normal. Everday occurrences that cause a dog to get excited such as going for a walk or people coming by can kill him. He has what I call a "spell" nearly everyday. Gus has been on atenolol ever since he was diagnosed with the problem when I brought him home at 6 weeks. I was told by my vet his life expectancy was 3 years. Gus will be 9 next month. I give atenolol a lot of credit to his beating the odds.
Our Tigger was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 2 months ago. We're told it's unusual for a young 4 year old. He wasn't really symptomatic given the symptoms we were told to look for, however, after being on 1/2 a pill a day for a month, he's more active, and playing like a kitten again. Who knew the same med we take for our blood pressure would help our boy? So glad I was able to get this for him through 1800PETMEDS!
Our Golden was only 1 1/2 years old when we adopted him. At 2 years we found out he has a major heart problem that could cause him to drop dead at too much excitement. Our Vet recommended the Atenelol and we have had him on it for 2 1/2 years. We give Cody 1 a day and so far, as of his last check up, he is doing great!
My 16 year old cat has been on atenolol for almst 10 years. He was diagnosed wih hypertophic cardio myopathy in 1999 after our vet discovered a heart murmer. He has been doing very well, although he developed kidney failure 3 or 4 years ago. He HATES the taste of atenolol. For the kidney failure I give hime sub-q fluids and pepcid. Because he hates the tast of atenolo I put it (1/4 pill once per day) and 1/4 pepcid in a capsul and give him that. Atenolol seems to wok for him as his heart disease has only slightly worsened over 10 years.
My cat was 8 years old when we found out he had major heart disease. A grade 4 systolic heart murmur, and a large septal impact lesion too. He has a few other problems as well. The hear t Doc put him on Atenolol right away, his heart is doing good. The heart murmur is now a 3, because his blood pressure is under control. Tiger is now almost 11 years old, and still acts like a kitten.
Unfortunately there is no set "correct" dose for this medication. There are any number of factors besides age and weight that a veterinarian needs to consider when prescribing this medication. These include, but are not limited to, the condition itself, the severity of the condition, the pet's overall health including liver and kidney function as well as any other medications the pet may be taking.
If the dose you need to give is 25mg, then all you need to do is crush the tablet, mix it in a small amount of water and either give it directly to the pet or mix it in a small amount of food. If the dose is not 25mg I would recommend having the medication prepared in a pharmacy that does compounding.
What should be done is to have a friend or neighbor give the dose. If that is not a possibility, there's nothing you can do until you get back home. I would let the veterinarian know.
Although the tablets don't split as perfectly as I would like, I am usually able to get pretty even quarters with a pill cutter. If one quarter is a little too big, I cut a little off the edge & give this little bit with the smallest quarter as one dose. I give the dose in a pill pocket, which my cat wolfs down every morning.
1 year, 4 months ago
by
rocket88
- NYC
0
0
A:
no.no matter how you try it does'nt work.
1 year, 7 months ago
by
L.B.C.
- alvin,tx.
0
0
A:
You can use a pill splitter/cutter or break them in half while holding the tablet with both thumbs over the edge of the kitchen/bathroom counter.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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