Medication: Atenolol

Your pet may have been prescribed atenolol for an irregular heart rhythm or to treat to aortic or pulmonic stenosis. Atenolol is also sometimes prescribed if cats have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). It is occasionally used in the management of hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure.  

Key points: 
• Beta blocker.
• Slows the heart rate.  
• Extra monitoring of glucose levels may be needed in diabetic patients. 
• Use with care in animals with asthma (more common in cats). 
• Do not use in animals with certain conditions that could cause low heart rates (eg AV block).
• Use with care in animals with heart failure.
• Use with care in animals with kidney disease.
• Dosage: once or twice daily in cats.
• Do not stop treatment suddenly always taper dose and withdraw under the advice of your veterinarian.