In which of the following conditions is atenolol contraindicated?

In which of the following conditions is atenolol contraindicated?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Asthma
• D. Osteoporosis

Answer: (C)

Atenolol, a selective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist, is contraindicated in patients with asthma due to its potential to induce bronchoconstriction. Although atenolol primarily targets the heart, it can also block beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which are responsible for bronchodilation in the lungs. When these receptors are blocked in individuals with asthma, it can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and lead to difficulty breathing. In contrast, atenolol is commonly used to manage conditions like hypertension and atrial fibrillation, where the benefits of controlling heart rate and blood pressure outweigh potential side effects. Osteoporosis also does not have a direct contraindication with atenolol; while beta-blockers may have less impact on bone density compared to glucocorticoids and certain other medications, they can be used in patients with osteoporosis under careful management. Therefore, asthma is the correct choice for contraindication due to the risk of aggravating this condition.

Atenolol, a selective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist, is contraindicated in patients with asthma due to its potential to induce bronchoconstriction. Although atenolol primarily targets the heart, it can also block beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which are responsible for bronchodilation in the lungs. When these receptors are blocked in individuals with asthma, it can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and lead to difficulty breathing.

In contrast, atenolol is commonly used to manage conditions like hypertension and atrial fibrillation, where the benefits of controlling heart rate and blood pressure outweigh potential side effects. Osteoporosis also does not have a direct contraindication with atenolol; while beta-blockers may have less impact on bone density compared to glucocorticoids and certain other medications, they can be used in patients with osteoporosis under careful management. Therefore, asthma is the correct choice for contraindication due to the risk of aggravating this condition.