Atenolol
Atenolol is a beta blocker found in 4 medicines sold in India, such as Aten 50, Aten 25, Aten 100. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Lowers blood pressure and heart rate; prevents angina.
How it works
A beta blocker that slows the heart and lowers its workload; for high blood pressure, angina and irregular heartbeat.
How to take it
Usually 25 to 100 mg once a day.
Common side effects
- Tiredness
- Cold hands and feet
- Slow pulse
- Dizziness
- Vivid dreams
Get medical help straight away if
- Breathlessness or wheeze
- Very slow pulse or fainting
- Swollen ankles or rapid weight gain
Be careful
Do not stop suddenly. Can cause tiredness or cold hands.
Other medicines and interactions
Do not stop suddenly (it can trigger chest pain or a heart attack); taper as advised. Verapamil and diltiazem together can slow the heart dangerously. Can hide low sugar warning signs in diabetes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Some beta blockers (such as labetalol) are used in pregnancy; ask your doctor whether yours is suitable. Babies may need watching for slow heart rate or low sugar after birth.
Brands of Atenolol (3)
Combination medicines that contain Atenolol (1)
Common questions
What is Atenolol used for?
Lowers blood pressure and heart rate; prevents angina.
How does Atenolol work?
A beta blocker that slows the heart and lowers its workload; for high blood pressure, angina and irregular heartbeat.
How should I take Atenolol?
Usually 25 to 100 mg once a day.
What are the side effects of Atenolol?
Common: Tiredness, cold hands and feet, slow pulse, dizziness, vivid dreams. Get help straight away for: Breathlessness or wheeze, very slow pulse or fainting, swollen ankles or rapid weight gain.
Does Atenolol interact with other medicines?
Do not stop suddenly (it can trigger chest pain or a heart attack); taper as advised. Verapamil and diltiazem together can slow the heart dangerously. Can hide low sugar warning signs in diabetes.
Is Atenolol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Some beta blockers (such as labetalol) are used in pregnancy; ask your doctor whether yours is suitable. Babies may need watching for slow heart rate or low sugar after birth.
Does Atenolol need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Atenolol?
Amlopres-AT, Aten 100, Aten 25, Aten 50.
Sources and further reading
- Atenolol: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
🔎 Search another medicine