Description:

Atenolol is a selective β₁-adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), irregular heart rhythms, and to reduce mortality after a heart attack. It also helps prevent migraines and treats conditions like arrhythmias and thyrotoxicosis.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (Rx-only)—not available over the counter.

Therapeutic category:

Antihypertensive / Cardioselective beta-blocker.

Active ingredients / composition:

Each tablet contains 50 mg of atenolol as the active ingredient.

Vitamins:

None. Atenolol does not contain any vitamins.

Minerals:

None. Atenolol does not include any minerals.

Variant:

Available strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. No extended-release form is noted in these sources.

Consume types:

Oral tablets, typically swallowed whole with water, may be taken with or without food.

Directions / usage:

• Hypertension: initially 25–50 mg once daily, titrated up to 100 mg as needed.

• Angina: start with 50 mg/day, possibly increasing to 100 mg after a week.

• Post-myocardial infarction: typically 100 mg once daily or divided doses for several days.

• Variations exist for arrhythmia, thyrotoxicosis, and migraine prophylaxis. Adjustments may be needed for kidney impairment.

Common side effects:

• Fatigue
  
• Dizziness
  
• Cold extremities
  
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  
• Nausea
  
• Gastrointestinal disturbances

More serious but less common effects may include heart failure symptoms, depression, bronchospasm, and, rarely, metabolism disturbances.

Package type:

Typically provided in blister packs or bottles, depending on manufacturer. For example, Atenolol 50mg ECL tablets are sold in blister packs..

Storage advice:

Store at room temperature, protected from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Safety advice:

• Contraindications include severe bradycardia, heart block beyond first degree, cardiogenic shock, and overt heart failure.
  
• Caution advised in asthma, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud’s).
  
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent rebound hypertension or angina.
  
• Use with caution in pregnancy or breastfeeding—consult your doctor.
  
• May interact with calcium channel blockers, clonidine, amiodarone, NSAIDs, and others.
  

Product substitutes:

Common alternatives include Tenormin (brand-name atenolol) and other generics like Aten, depending on local market availability.

Manufacturer / marketer:

Various manufacturers produce atenolol tablets:

• Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, India (marketer).
  
• Other major producers include IPCA, Aurobindo, Unichem, etc..

Country of origin:

Often manufactured in India, though global production also occurs in Jordan, EU, China, Italy, Singapore, and others