ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/atenolol
US brand names:Tenormin
Atenolol is dosed at 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q24h in rabbits, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th ed, Table 10.8 (Atenolol, 0.5-2 mg/kg PO q24h). Superscript 241 = van Zeeland YRA, Schoemaker NJ. Diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in small mammals. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.8 (Cardiovascular Agents Used in Rabbits). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. Reduces heart rate, contractility, and myocardial oxygen demand.
Do not discontinue abruptly (rebound tachycardia). Avoid in decompensated heart failure, severe bradycardia, or AV block. May mask hypoglycemia signs.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Dwarf Hamster drugsAll Mouse drugsAll Pet Rat drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 6 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.25–1 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Meurs KM, Lehmkuhl LB, Bonagura JD. Survival times in dogs with severe subvalvular aortic stenosis treated with balloon valvuloplasty or atenolol. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005;227(3):420-424. doi:10.2460/javma.2005.227.420 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.103, Atenolol monograph spanning p.103-105. |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12-24h | Strong | Henik RA, Stepien RL, Wenholz LJ, Dolson MK. Efficacy of atenolol as a single antihypertensive agent in hyperthyroid cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2008;10(6):577-582. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2007.11.008 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.105, Atenolol monograph spanning p.103-105. |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.