atenolol at a glance
Medicine class
Beta blocker with relative selectivity for beta-1 receptors in the heart.
Available forms
Tablets and oral liquids are taken by mouth; injections are administered in hospital.
Stopping treatment
Do not stop atenolol suddenly without prescriber advice, particularly if you have heart disease.
Driving
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if atenolol makes you dizzy or tired.
What is atenolol used for?
Uses depend on the formulation and clinical setting.
High blood pressure.
Prevention or management of angina symptoms.
Management of certain cardiac arrhythmias.
Early intervention during acute myocardial infarction; injectable treatment is hospital-based.
Atenolol is sometimes prescribed for migraine prevention, although this is not licensed for the selected products.
How does atenolol work?
Atenolol mainly blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors, reducing the heart's response to adrenaline-like signals. This slows the heart and reduces its workload and force of contraction.
atenolol preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg/mL, 25 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
How to take atenolol
Follow the prescription label and product leaflet. Swallow tablets with water and check the leaflet before breaking them because score lines differ between brands. Measure oral liquid with the supplied oral syringe or medicine spoon, not a kitchen teaspoon. Food instructions can be product-specific: one selected oral solution should not be taken with food. Injections are administered by healthcare professionals.
Do not stop atenolol suddenly without speaking to the prescriber.
If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down and avoid driving or machinery until it passes.
Ask a pharmacist if the liquid does not include a suitable measuring device.
atenolol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tiredness or dizziness.
- Slow heart rate.
- Cold fingers or toes.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach discomfort.
Get urgent medical advice
- New wheezing, chest tightness or significant breathlessness.
- Worsening heart failure symptoms, such as breathlessness with swollen ankles or legs.
- Fainting or symptoms associated with a very slow heartbeat or low blood pressure.
- Unexplained bruising, yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty or collapse.
atenolol in pregnancy
Atenolol can be used during pregnancy when recommended by a doctor, but treatment should be reviewed because alternatives may have more pregnancy safety information. It has been associated with reduced fetal growth, although the contribution of the underlying illness is uncertain. Additional growth scans and newborn monitoring may be advised. Do not stop it without discussing this with the maternity or cardiac team.
atenolol while breastfeeding
Atenolol passes into breast milk in variable amounts and may accumulate, particularly in newborn or premature infants. It can sometimes be used cautiously, but other beta blockers are usually preferred when appropriate. Seek advice if the baby is unusually sleepy, pale, feeding poorly, gaining insufficient weight or appears unwell.
atenolol interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, including non-prescription cold remedies and supplements. Important examples include:
Verapamil or diltiazem
Can excessively slow the heart, lower blood pressure or worsen heart failure, especially with intravenous treatment.
Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines
Effects can add together and cause dizziness, fainting or excessive hypotension.
Digoxin and other digitalis glycosides
Can further slow conduction through the heart.
Common questions about atenolol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can I stop atenolol suddenly?
No. Sudden withdrawal can worsen angina or other heart problems. Ask the prescriber to plan any change or withdrawal.
Can I drink alcohol while taking atenolol?
Alcohol can increase dizziness or light-headedness. Avoid alcohol if it causes these symptoms.
Can atenolol make me tired or dizzy?
Yes. These effects may improve as the body adjusts. Do not drive or use machinery while affected.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.