Detection and quantitative determination of atenolol (Tenormin®) in urine

Atenolol is a beta- receptor-blocker often administered in combination with diuretics e.g. hydrochloro-thiazide (Esidrex®).
Beta-blockers are abused in sports where tranquillity rather than physical strength is required. They are therefore on the IOC (Int. Olymp. Committee) list of banned drugs.
Urine extracts are chromatographed on silica gel. Post chromatographic derivatization shows the presence of this and other beta-blocker administered in normal dosages. Result can be verified by UV spectra comparison. Densitometric quantification is performed by absorbance at 223nm. Determination limit of the method described is 0.05 mg/L, reliable detection limit about 0.025 mg/L