What class of drugs does Atenolol belong to?

Atenolol belongs to the class of medications known as beta-adrenergic blockers, commonly referred to as beta-blockers. This class of drugs is primarily used for conditions related to the heart, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and arrhythmias, as well as for certain types of angina (chest pain). Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) on beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to a decrease in heart rate and contractility, ultimately reducing the workload on the heart and lowering blood pressure.

Atenolol specifically is a selective beta-1 blocker, which means it predominantly affects the beta-1 receptors found in the heart. This selectivity minimizes side effects related to beta-2 receptors, which are located in other tissues, such as the lungs. By targeting the heart more directly, atenolol helps in managing cardiac issues while reducing the likelihood of respiratory side effects, making it a common choice for patients, especially those with asthma or other respiratory problems.

In contrast, nitrates are primarily used for angina by dilating blood vessels, angiotensin II receptor blockers act on the renin-angiotensin system to lower