Side Effects of Atenolol on the Kidney

Atenolol is a beta blocker that is used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and angina, and to minimize the risk of complications after a heart attack. However, it can have negative side effects, particularly to the kidneys.

Benefits

• Atenolol is effective in lowering blood pressure and treating angina. It also works well in managing and preventing complications after a myocardial infarction.

Dosage

• For those with hypertension or high blood pressure, a 50-mg dose administered once a day is recommended. The daily dosage should not exceed 100 mg.

Effect on the Body

• Atenolol has a 6-hour half-life (the time required for half the drug to be eliminated from the body). It is eliminated from the body by passing through the kidneys for excretion.

Side Effects

• If there is an excessive amount of the drug in the kidneys, it can lead to renal failure. When this happens, cardiac arrest and hypotonia, a disorder that causes low muscle tone, can take place.

Precautions

• If you have a kidney disease, it is not advisable to take Atenolol, as it puts your kidneys at higher risk. The half-life of the drug in people with renal problems increases to 14 hours, which can lead to accumulation of the drug in the kidneys. Dialysis may need to be performed so that the drug can be eliminated completely.