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Atenolol

Atenolol is a beta blocker medicine, used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).

If you have high blood pressure, taking atenolol helps prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

It can also be used to prevent chest pain caused by angina.

Atenolol works by slowing down your heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Atenolol is sometimes prescribed to prevent migraines and help with anxiety.

This medicine is only available on prescription.

It comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given as an injection, but this is usually done in hospital.

Atenolol can also be mixed with other medicines such as nifedipine (brand name Tenif). It it's mixed with chlortalidone it's called co-tenidone or by the brand names Tenoret or Tenoertic.

Who can take atenolol

Most adults can take atenolol. It's sometimes prescribed for babies and children.

Atenelol is not suitable for everyone. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting atenolol if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to atenolol or any other medicine
  • have low blood pressure (hypotension) or a slow heart rate
  • have Raynaud's phenomenon, which may make your fingers and toes tingle, turn paler than usual or turn blue
  • have metabolic acidosis – when there's too much acid in your blood
  • have lung disease or asthma
  • are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding

Dosage

How much atenolol you take depends on why you need it.

The usual dose for adults is:

  • high blood pressure – 25mg to 50mg, taken once a day
  • angina (chest pain) – 100mg, taken once a day, or split into two 50mg doses
  • irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) – 50mg to 100mg, taken once a day
  • migraine – 25mg to 100mg, taken twice a day

For children taking atenolol, your child's doctor will work out the right dose by using their weight and age.

You'll usually take atenolol once or twice a day.

When you start taking atenolol, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you feel dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take your medicine in the morning.

If you're taking atenolol twice a day, try to have 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening. It's a good idea to leave 10 to 12 hours between doses if you can.

Atenolol does not usually upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food but it's best to do the same each day.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. If you find them difficult to swallow, some brands have a score line to help you break the tablet in half. Check the information leaflet for your brand to see if you can do this.

If you're taking atenolol as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount of medicine.

How long to take it for

This depends on why you're taking atenolol.

For heart conditions or high blood pressure, treatment is usually long term and may be for the rest of your life.

For migraines, treatment can last for several months or years, depending on how bad your symptoms are.

Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking atenolol. Do not stop taking it suddenly, especially if you have heart disease. This can make your condition worse.

If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine instead.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose of atenolol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

The amount of atenolol that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

If you take more than the prescribed dose, your heart rate may slow down and you may find it difficult to breathe. It can also make you feel dizzy.

  • you take more than your prescribed dose of atenolol

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the atenolol packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you

Common side effects

These common side effects of atenolol happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and only last for a short time. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

If this advice does not help and you are bothered by any of these side effects, keep taking the medicine but tell your doctor or pharmacist.

It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking atenolol.

Tell your doctor or contact 111 now if:

  • you have shortness of breath with a cough that gets worse when you exercise (like walking up stairs), swollen ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat – these can be signs of heart problems
  • you have shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of your chest – these can be signs of lung problems
  • the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin, or you have pale poo or dark pee – these can be signs of liver problems
  • you get unexplained bruising, or you bruise more easily than usual – these can be signs of low numbers of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia)

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

  • you get chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes, or is new or worse if you already have angina

Chest pain is a possible sign of a heart attack and needs to be checked out as soon as possible.

In rare cases, atenolol may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

These are not all the side effects of atenolol. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Atenolol and pregnancy

It's important to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy. This will help you and your baby to stay healthy.

Although atenolol can be taken in pregnancy, it's more common to take labetalol (a similar medicine that works in the same way). This is because there is more safety information available for labetalol. Talk to your doctor about which blood pressure medicine is best for you.

Atenolol can affect the baby's growth in the womb, so you may be offered extra scans to check that your baby is growing OK.

There's also a small chance that atenolol can affect a baby's blood sugar levels just after birth. Because of this, your baby may have their blood sugar levels monitored in hospital for the first 24 hours to make sure everything's OK before you go home.

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it might be OK to take atenolol while breastfeeding.

Atenolol passes into breast milk in different amounts, and sometimes these have been quite high. If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as other medicines might be better for you.

It's important to treat your high blood pressure to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

If your baby's not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, seems much paler than usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor.

Atenolol and fertility

There is no evidence to suggest that atenolol affects fertility in men or women.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that may affect the way atenolol works.

Tell your doctor if you're taking:

  • other medicines for high blood pressure – the combination with atenolol can sometimes lower your blood pressure too much, which may make you feel dizzy or faint
  • other medicines for an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), such as amiodarone or flecainide
  • medicines for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • medicines for diabetes, particularly insulin – atenolol may make it more difficult to recognise the warning signs of low blood sugar. Speak to your doctor if you have low blood sugar levels without getting any of the usual warning signs. Check your blood sugar after exercise and follow the usual advice about checking it before driving or operating machinery
  • medicines to treat nose or sinus congestion, or other cold remedies (including those you can buy in a pharmacy)
  • medicines for allergies, such as ephedrine, noradrenaline or adrenaline

There's not enough information to say that herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with atenolol. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

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329 public posts

Good cholesterol levels

to 45 let me be in other b blockers, now I am a year in atenolol and I noticed this decrease any opinion accepted thank you
to 45 let me be in other b blockers, now I am a year in atenolol and I noticed this decrease any opinion accepted thank you
Giorgos1973 profile image
Giorgos1973
in Cholesterol Support

tinnitus from atenolol

Taking atenolol 25mg in the morning and 12.5mg in the evening after 6 months, unexpected tinnitus from the left ear .after suffering with tinnitus for 6 months, realized that it might caused by atenolol. Any help full advice?
Taking atenolol 25mg in the morning and 12.5mg in the evening after 6 months, unexpected tinnitus from the left ear .after suffering with tinnitus for 6 months, realized that it might caused by atenolol. Any help full advice?
Mikemaxcel profile image
Mikemaxcel
in British Heart Foundation

Constant PACs

My EP is taking me off the Atenolol and starting me on Diltiazem to see if maybe the that does anything. I just want my life back. Wondering if I’ll ever be able to enjoy some wine or a couple beers with the wife again.
My EP is taking me off the Atenolol and starting me on Diltiazem to see if maybe the that does anything. I just want my life back. Wondering if I’ll ever be able to enjoy some wine or a couple beers with the wife again.
Phoneguy65 profile image
Phoneguy65
in AF Association
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Medication change

Good evening I would like some help on Thursday I have an appointment with the cardiologist for a preventive check-up, at the moment I am taking atenolol 25 degrees of pulse and tachycardia, they have been on these pills for about 4 years, starting with bisoprolol 2.5 then nebivolol 2.5 and now atenolol
Good evening I would like some help on Thursday I have an appointment with the cardiologist for a preventive check-up, at the moment I am taking atenolol 25 degrees of pulse and tachycardia, they have been on these pills for about 4 years, starting with bisoprolol 2.5 then nebivolol 2.5 and now atenolol
Giorgos1973 profile image
Giorgos1973
in AF Association

Post Catheter Ablation

I continue to take daily meds - Amiodarone 200mg, Atenolol 25mg and Xarelto 20mg.
I continue to take daily meds - Amiodarone 200mg, Atenolol 25mg and Xarelto 20mg.
melismos profile image
melismos
in AF Association

2 steps forward 5 back

Now they want me back on atenolol and to keep repeating the heart monitor patches which I’ve done twice already just wondering if anyone has had the same issue .
Now they want me back on atenolol and to keep repeating the heart monitor patches which I’ve done twice already just wondering if anyone has had the same issue .
44deano profile image
44deano
in Arrhythmia Alliance

What next.

He has just upped atenolol to 50mg. This has just lowered my pulse to 55 bpm for 60bpm. I do 40mins exercise 6 days a week I am slightly overweight. My current meds are. Lercanidipine 20mg tablets Losartan 100mg tablets Atenolol 50mg
He has just upped atenolol to 50mg. This has just lowered my pulse to 55 bpm for 60bpm. I do 40mins exercise 6 days a week I am slightly overweight. My current meds are. Lercanidipine 20mg tablets Losartan 100mg tablets Atenolol 50mg
Evos profile image
Evos
in High Blood Pressure Support

Medicine for Tachycardia?

I tried atenolol, but it caused headaches and ear pain. I was just prescribed 30mg diltiazem hcl, but it seems like I’ve gotten a rash from that.
I tried atenolol, but it caused headaches and ear pain. I was just prescribed 30mg diltiazem hcl, but it seems like I’ve gotten a rash from that.
KiaE profile image
KiaE
in Arrhythmia Alliance

Muscle tiredness

I’m 9 months post HA and Triple bypass and take Aspirin, Atenolol, Atorvastatin, Bisopralol, Clopidogrel, Omeprazole and Ramipril. I’m a Tyle 1 diabetic but I consider myself to be fairly fit again. My blood pressure is quite low having been very high post op but I’m in talks with GP about this.
I’m 9 months post HA and Triple bypass and take Aspirin, Atenolol, Atorvastatin, Bisopralol, Clopidogrel, Omeprazole and Ramipril. I’m a Tyle 1 diabetic but I consider myself to be fairly fit again. My blood pressure is quite low having been very high post op but I’m in talks with GP about this.
Sewing19 profile image
Sewing19
in British Heart Foundation

Atenolol side affects.

I’m still struggling with Atenolol side affects. That copd feeling in my chest and the ache and heaviness it brings with it. . I lost a lot of weight throughout my whole ordeal and wondering with the less fat I’m feeling every twinge, every ache and every flutter.
I’m still struggling with Atenolol side affects. That copd feeling in my chest and the ache and heaviness it brings with it. . I lost a lot of weight throughout my whole ordeal and wondering with the less fat I’m feeling every twinge, every ache and every flutter.
Auntkk profile image
Auntkk
in AF Association

Stopping flecainide and Atenolol

Post ablation 8 weeks ago. I stopped taking my meds 2 weeks ago (as instructed by my Cardiologist). Since then I have been unwell. I have nausea, fatigue and pain in my kidney and back. I can’t eat much and feel very emotional. Hi have been to the hospital and had a CT scan and bloods. All has come back
Post ablation 8 weeks ago. I stopped taking my meds 2 weeks ago (as instructed by my Cardiologist). Since then I have been unwell. I have nausea, fatigue and pain in my kidney and back. I can’t eat much and feel very emotional. Hi have been to the hospital and had a CT scan and bloods. All has come back
PT123 profile image
PT123
in AF Association

Atrial fibrillation

On Sunday I ended up in A&E with an erratic and fast running pulse ( about 80-90, my normal pulse is 45-55, I take Atenolol for heart attack 17 years ago ). The rhythm seemed to get back to normal within 12 hours but it is now Wednesday and my Pulse is about 60 - 75.
On Sunday I ended up in A&E with an erratic and fast running pulse ( about 80-90, my normal pulse is 45-55, I take Atenolol for heart attack 17 years ago ). The rhythm seemed to get back to normal within 12 hours but it is now Wednesday and my Pulse is about 60 - 75.
Sherbett profile image
Sherbett
in British Heart Foundation

Atrial fibrillation

On Sunday I ended up in A&E with an erratic and fast running pulse ( about 80-90, my normal pulse is 45-55, I take Atenolol for heart attack 17 years ago ). The rhythm seemed to get back to normal within 12 hours but it is now Wednesday and my Pulse is about 60 - 75.
On Sunday I ended up in A&E with an erratic and fast running pulse ( about 80-90, my normal pulse is 45-55, I take Atenolol for heart attack 17 years ago ). The rhythm seemed to get back to normal within 12 hours but it is now Wednesday and my Pulse is about 60 - 75.
Sherbett profile image
Sherbett
in British Heart Foundation

2nd visit to A&E

Reduced my Atenolol from 50mg to 25 mg and took me off of 10mg of Amlodipine Been on 50mg Atenolol, 10mg Amlodipine, 10mg Ramipril, Statin and Aspirin for 18 years since heart attack.
Reduced my Atenolol from 50mg to 25 mg and took me off of 10mg of Amlodipine Been on 50mg Atenolol, 10mg Amlodipine, 10mg Ramipril, Statin and Aspirin for 18 years since heart attack.
Sherbett profile image
Sherbett
in British Heart Foundation

Amlodipine Besylate and Migraine(ubrelvy) medication

I am taking 5mg of amlodipine besylate and 20 mg of atenolol for my blood pressure. My neurologist has prescribed me 50 mg of ubrelvy as he states that I suffer from migraines. I went to him because of neck pain and dizziness.
I am taking 5mg of amlodipine besylate and 20 mg of atenolol for my blood pressure. My neurologist has prescribed me 50 mg of ubrelvy as he states that I suffer from migraines. I went to him because of neck pain and dizziness.
MightyMay profile image
MightyMay
in High Blood Pressure Support

How long after starting Atenolol I should see my BP improvement?

I just have been prescribed atenolol 25mg. I have HBP and after 10mg Ramipril, 10mg Amlodipin i still have 160/100. I have red that Atenolol will lower my pulse but after first tablet there is nonchange whatsoever. Does it mean it wont qork on me or simply it needs few days to build up?
I just have been prescribed atenolol 25mg. I have HBP and after 10mg Ramipril, 10mg Amlodipin i still have 160/100. I have red that Atenolol will lower my pulse but after first tablet there is nonchange whatsoever. Does it mean it wont qork on me or simply it needs few days to build up?
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in High Blood Pressure Support

Hiatus hernia/belching

Apart from the stomach problems I take atorvastatin, atenolol and vit d. Anyone else suffer with these problems?
Apart from the stomach problems I take atorvastatin, atenolol and vit d. Anyone else suffer with these problems?
Manray11 profile image
Manray11
in Bone Health

side effects b blockers

Happy New Year, the problem I face with these pills is a feeling of fainting and a sense of disaster and a feeling of death, I started them four years ago first bisoprolol 2.5 then nebivolol 2.5 and now atenolol 25, I have experienced various side effects such as sleep disorder insomnia dreams sometimes
Happy New Year, the problem I face with these pills is a feeling of fainting and a sense of disaster and a feeling of death, I started them four years ago first bisoprolol 2.5 then nebivolol 2.5 and now atenolol 25, I have experienced various side effects such as sleep disorder insomnia dreams sometimes
Giorgos1973 profile image
Giorgos1973
in Arrhythmia Alliance

Atenolol side affects

Currently on Atenolol. Side affects are fatigue, feeling low, heaviness in chest. Taking to lower bp and heart rate. 25 mg at night to reduce side affects. Just don’t feel good. It’s been 4 weeks. Will this pass? I’m 65 and in good health. Walk up to an average 4 miles a day. Eat well.
Currently on Atenolol. Side affects are fatigue, feeling low, heaviness in chest. Taking to lower bp and heart rate. 25 mg at night to reduce side affects. Just don’t feel good. It’s been 4 weeks. Will this pass? I’m 65 and in good health. Walk up to an average 4 miles a day. Eat well.
Auntkk profile image
Auntkk
in AF Association

Can a chest infection cause AF to start?

I am on 50 mg atenolol every day but that doesn’t seem to help the racing heart much. I’ll put an email in to my GP tomorrow, but just thought maybe someone could tell me if the cough could bring it on. Thanks to anyone who replies. ,
I am on 50 mg atenolol every day but that doesn’t seem to help the racing heart much. I’ll put an email in to my GP tomorrow, but just thought maybe someone could tell me if the cough could bring it on. Thanks to anyone who replies. ,
Cha275rL profile image
Cha275rL
in AF Association
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