Atenolol

What it is and how it works

Mechanism class: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hypertension Atenolol tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including atenolol. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than 1 drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program's Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC).

Dosage and administration (summary)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hypertension The initial dose of atenolol tablets is 50 mg given as one tablet a day either alone or added to diuretic therapy. The full effect of this dose will usually be seen within one to two weeks. If an optimal response is not achieved, the dosage should be increased to atenolol tablets 100 mg given as one tablet a day. Increasing the dosage beyond 100 mg a day is unlikely to produce any further benefit. Atenolol tablets may be used alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents including thiazide-type diuretics, hydralazine, prazosin, and alpha-methyldopa. Angina Pectoris The initial dose of atenolol tablets is 50 mg given as one tablet a day.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Atenolol tablets are contraindicated in sinus bradycardia, heart block greater than first degree, cardiogenic shock, and overt cardiac failure. (See WARNINGS .) Atenolol tablets are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the atenolol or any of the drug product's components.

Warnings and precautions

WARNINGS Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation is necessary in supporting circulatory function in congestive heart failure, and beta blockade carries the potential hazard of further depressing myocardial contractility and precipitating more severe failure. In patients with acute myocardial infarction, cardiac failure which is not promptly and effectively controlled by 80 mg of intravenous furosemide or equivalent therapy is a contraindication to beta-blocker treatment.

Storage and supply

HOW SUPPLIED Atenolol Tablets, USP Tablets of 100 mg atenolol are white to off-white, round, flat faced bevelled edge, uncoated tablet debossed with "20" on one side and "U" on other side, supplied in bottles of: Bottles of 30 tablets NDC 68788-4112-3 Bottles of 60 tablets NDC 68788-4112-6 Bottles of 90 tablets NDC 68788-4112-9 Bottles of 100 table…

Source: Atenolol (Atenolol) — US FDA prescribing information, 2026-04-22, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.