IMPAIRED ELIMINATION OF ATENOLOL IN A NEPHROPATHIC PATIENT WITH SELF-MEDICATION OVERDOSE

A case of intoxication with atenolol (plasma concentration of 2.71 mg/ L) caused by an improper self-medication combined with impaired renal function is presented. The patient was supported with atropine, isopro terenol, dopamine, and dobutamine, and a thorough pharmacokinetic moni toring of atenolol was conducted. As the serum creatinine concentratio n returned slowly to baseline with good diuresis, the concentration of atenolol decreased (biologic half-life = 2.95 days) and the blood pre ssure gradually recovered. The patient improved and was subsequently d ischarged in good health. Had pharmacokinetic monitoring of atenolol n ot been performed, hemodialysis would have been indicated.