Atenolol
Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta-1 receptors in the heart, which slows the heart rate and reduces the force of contraction, thereby lowering blood pressure. This medication is typically taken as a once-daily oral dose and is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for various cardiovascular conditions.
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate to treat hypertension, angina, and heart rhythm problems.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AB03
- RxNorm
- 1202
- Generic
- Atenolol
- Class
- atc-c07
- Brands
- Tenormin, Tenoretic
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50-100mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1 mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25-50mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring including growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if essential, consider alternative antihypertensives
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid near delivery
discontinue 24-48 hours before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal bradycardia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for signs of beta-blockade including bradycardia and hypotension
observe infant for lethargy, poor feeding, bradycardia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at half usual adult dose
use lower initial dose and titrate slowly, monitor renal function
regular blood pressure monitoring and renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not approved for use in children under 18 years
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 50%
monitor renal function and adjust dose based on creatinine clearance
regular renal function monitoring, serum creatinine and BUN
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to 25-50mg daily
use with caution, consider alternative therapy
close monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no significant dose adjustment required as drug is not extensively metabolized
standard monitoring
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol consumptionuse with caution
avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate hypotension
monitor blood pressure when consuming alcohol
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Atenolol (Tenormin)
Drug class
ATC classification - Beta blocking agents, plain
Primary indications
Main therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina pectoris (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart), and certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). It may also be prescribed after a heart attack to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
Atenolol belongs to a class of drugs called beta-1 selective adrenergic blockers. It works by selectively blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, preventing the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This results in reduced heart rate, decreased force of heart contractions, and lowered blood pressure, reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand.
Do not stop taking Atenolol abruptly, as this may worsen chest pain or cause a heart attack. Common side effects include fatigue, cold extremities, and dizziness. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, severe bradycardia, or heart failure before starting this medication. Alcohol may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects and should be used cautiously.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy