ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/atenolol
US brand names:Tenormin
Atenolol is dosed at 0.2–2 mg/kg PO q24h in dwarf hamsters, per 83. Jepson L. Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide, WB Saunders, New York, NY; 2009. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.794 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.5 (Cardiovascular Agents Used in Rodents). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.132 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.103, Atenolol monograph spanning p.103-105; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12-24h | Strong |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| 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 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.132 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.105, Atenolol monograph spanning p.103-105; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |