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What Is The Effect Of Atenolol On A Baby?

Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015

Question: I have had tachycardia for 10 years now and have been on atenolol which has helped me dramatically. I am now 6 weeks pregnant and my doctor has decided to keep me on it. I take 25mg once a day. Is this a significant dosage amount that will negatively affect my baby? Please help. I tried Labetolol and it did not work.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
regular antenatal visits

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam, I understand your situation.
Atenolol is usually not given in pregnancy for the fear of intrauterine growth retardation.
But patients who are already on this drug they tolerate it quite well with uncomplicated pregnancy many a times.
Still I will suggest you to have a regular follow up with your gynecologist and get regular ultrasound and Doppler testing to catch hold of problems (if any) as early as possible.
All the best and in case you have any questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (22 minutes later)

What is intrauterine growth retardation?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
weak baby

Detailed Answer:
Weak baby is clinically called as intrauterine growth retardation.
Atenolol causes decreased blood supply to placenta so decreased nutrition to baby.
But this is not seen in patients who are already on atenolol tolerate it quite well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar