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Atenolol is commonly used to lower blood pressure. It is one of a group of drugs called beta-blockers that have been around for a long time. This means the drug is well understood and all its effects on the body are known. All the beta-blockers work on the heart, lungs, peripheral vascular system, pancreas, uterus, kidneys and brain. They reduce blood pressure by simultaneously slowing the heart rate and dilating blood vessels. The different beta-blockers vary in how specific they are, primarily, to the heart. Atenolol is a preferred beta-blocker because it is more specific for the heart than older drugs in the same class. This reduces unwanted effects.

The normal dose varies from 25mg to 100mg a day, but there is lot of evidence that 50mg is just effective as 100mg. The dose usually only needs to be taken once a day, at the same time each day, as each dose lasts for twenty four hours in the body. People with kidney problems will need lower doses. If you miss a dose by more than eight hours wait for the next day and just take your usual dose. Don't double up.

Most people will not get side effects from Atenolol. The most common one is dizziness for the first few days of taking it. This is a sign of lower blood pressure. It should stop, if it doesn't see your doctor for an alternative. Occasionally the heart may slow too much and lead to fainting and dizziness, an alternative drug is needed. Because of this doctors often advise taking the dose in the evening and avoiding operating machinery for the first week or two of treatment. Other common side effects are tiredness, swollen ankles, nausea, and cold hands and feet. A rare but important side effect is shortness of breath. This is because this group of drugs can trigger asthma; Atenolol very rarely does this. Even more rarely Atenolol can cause liver damage; the signs of this are dark urine and pale stools. See your doctor urgently if you are worried about this.

It is important that your doctor knows about any other drugs you are on before you start Atenolol. It does interact with some other medications, including some common over the counter ones. These drugs include other heart medicines, diabetes medicines, cold medicines, some antihistamines, diet pills, anti inflammatories, and asthma drugs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Atenolol is better not used in pregnancy. It can affect the heart rate in the new born. For the same reason it is better not used during breast-feeding.

Overall, Atenolol is a widely used and well-understood drug. This makes it a good option if you have no medical reasons not to use it

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