The pharmacokinetics of atenolol (25 mg/kg, i.v.) in the folate-induced renal failure rabbits was studied. Renal failure was induced by the i.v. injection of folate (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). At folate dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the serum creatinine concentration (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased significantly compared with control rabbits. Plasma concentrations and AUC of atenolol increased significantly at folate dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The elimination rate constant $(K_{el})$ and total body clearance $(CL_t)$ of atenolol decreased significantly, and half-life ($t_{1/2}$) and mean residence time (MRT) of atenolol increased significantly at folate dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The serum creatinine concentration $(S_{cr})$ correlated well (p<0.05) with half-life $(t_{1/2})$ and elimination rate constant $(K_{el})$ of atenolol, as well as BUN with AUC and total body clearance $(CL_t)$ of atenolol.