Atenolol must not be used in patients with: NYHA class III or IV heart failure; Shock; Second- or third-degree AV block; SA block; Sick sinus syndrome; Bradycardia (<50 bpm); Hypotension; Advanced stages of peripheral occlusive disease; Chronic obstructive airways disease; Metabolic acidosis; Known hypersensitivity to atenolol.
Atenolol therapy in patients with pheochromocytoma must be accompanied by concurrent alpha-receptor blockade.