Atenolol

Indications: Hypertension
Contra Indications: 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, severe peripheral arterial disease, uncompensated cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, right ventricular hypotension, right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension, significant cardiomegaly, untreated phaeochromocytoma

Drug description: Tablets
Generic name: Generic Atenolol is water soluble and therefore less likely to cross blood-brain barrier and cause nightmares and sleeping problems. Atenolol is cardioselective but NOT cardiospecific and so still may precipitate asthma.
Drug class description: Cardioselective b-blockers (beta- blockers)

Poor cardiac reserve should be controlled with digitalis and diuretics. History of bronchospasm (cardioselective b- blockers, eg, acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, usually have a lesser effect on airways resistance than the non-selective type but their use should be avoided in patients with wheezing or obstructive airways disease unless there are compelling clinical reasons). Diabetes; metabolic acidosis. Asthenic symptoms. Cerebrovascular insufficiency. Atopy. Renal or hepatic impairment, thyrotoxic crisis. General anaesthesia; consider withdrawal before elective surgery. Pregnancy, lactation. Withdraw gradually

Cold extremities, sleep disturbances (particularly with the more lipophilic drugs), bradycardia, exertional tiredness, bronchospasm, heart failure, hypotension, GI upset. If unexplained dry eyes or skin rash occur withdraw gradually