There is a drug shortage for Atenolol, a very important medication. Atenolol is often prescribed for HCM cats. It works to lower the heart rate and blood pressure by working on the heart muscle. It is vitally important that the heart rate and blood pressure come under control for an HCM cat. Most cats with HCM have a high heart rate. A damaged heart should not be overworked and stressed. Lowering the heart rate also helps to lower blood pressure, although Atenolol is only one drug that the cat might need to lower blood pressure.
Our vet cardio released this statement:
"Some of you may already be aware that there is a nationwide shortage of this medication due to a production issue. Many pharmacies are running low, which is becoming an issue for our cardiac patients who are receiving it.
There are a couple of options:
1) Continue calling around to pharmacies in your area since some pharmacies still have it in stock.
2) Get it compounded at a specialty compounding pharmacy. We prefer to use Wedgewood for our compounding needs. Atenolol can be made into tablets, capsules or liquid suspension. See the link below for more info..."
1) Continue calling around to pharmacies in your area since some pharmacies still have it in stock.
2) Get it compounded at a specialty compounding pharmacy. We prefer to use Wedgewood for our compounding needs. Atenolol can be made into tablets, capsules or liquid suspension. See the link below for more info..."
If you or your vet are unable to find Atenolol locally, here are two reputable pharmacies you can try:
https://www.roadrunnerpharmacy.com/
Also, Google "compounding pharmacy" for your area. You may find one locally. Your vet would call in a script for them to fill.
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