Brand Name: ATENELOL
Dosage: 50 mg/tab
CLASSIFICATIONS
Therapeutic:
Anti-anginals, antihypertensives
Pharmacologic:
Beta blockers
ACTIONS
Physiologic Mechanism
• Decreased blood pressure and heart rate
• Decreased frequency of attacks of angina pectoris
• Prevention of MI
Pharmacologic Mechanism
Blocks stimulation of beta1 (myocardial)-adrenergic receptors. Does not usually affect beta2 (pulmonary,vascular, uterine)-receptor sites
INDICATION
• Management of hypertension
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
• Monitor BP, ECG, and pulse frequently during dosage adjustment period and periodically throughout therapy.
• Monitor I/O ratios and daily weights. Assess routinely for CHF (dyspnea, rales/crackles, weight gain, peripheral edema, jugular venous distention).
• Monitor patients for signs of overdose (bradycardia, severe dizziness or fainting, severe drowsiness, dyspnea, bluish fingernails or palms, seizures). Notify physician immediately if these signs occur.
• Take apical pulse before administering drug. If >50 bpm or if arrhythmia occurs, withhold medication and notify physician .
• Instruct patient to take atenelol as directed at the same time each day even if feeling well; do not skip or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible up to 8 hr before next dose.
• Caution patient that atenolol may increase sensitivity to cold.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if slow pulse, difficulty of breathing, wheezing, cold hands and feet, dizziness, light headedness, confusion, depression, rash, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising occurs.
