Atenolol
Also known as: Tenormin
What it's for
Atenolol is a beta blocker that slows your heart and lowers blood pressure. It treats high blood pressure, angina, and irregular heartbeats. It is also used after heart attacks.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 25mg to 100mg once daily.
- Take at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- Do not stop taking suddenly.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Cold hands and feet
- Feeling tired
- Slow heartbeat
- Dizziness
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop suddenly - dose must be reduced gradually
- Not suitable for asthma - can trigger attacks
- May mask signs of low blood sugar in diabetes
- May cause dizziness - take care when driving
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe breathing difficulties
- Your heart beats very slowly or irregularly
- You have severe dizziness or fainting
- You have very cold, blue fingers or toes
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.