About atenolol
Beta-blocker
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Angina (chest pain)
- Some fast or irregular heart rhythms
- Heart protection after a heart attack
Usual adult dose
Often 25–100 mg once daily for high blood pressure or angina; doses vary by condition and kidney function.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; specialist-directed dosing depends on age, weight, and condition.
Common side effects
- Slow heartbeat
- Tiredness or dizziness
- Cold hands or feet
- Nausea or diarrhoea
Important warnings
- May worsen asthma or other breathing problems.
- Do not stop suddenly; chest pain or heart problems may worsen.
- Use caution with diabetes, slow heartbeat, or kidney disease.
- Seek urgent care for fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or facial swelling.
Pregnancy
May affect fetal growth or the newborn’s heart rate; use only when prescribed after clinical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; monitor the baby for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or a slow heartbeat.
Interactions
- Verapamil or diltiazem can excessively slow the heart.
- Other blood-pressure medicines may increase dizziness or low blood pressure.
- Insulin and diabetes medicines: atenolol can mask some low-blood-sugar symptoms.
- Clonidine: stopping either medicine requires careful medical planning.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.