Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the Recommended Atenolol Dosage?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Atenolol is also called by its brand name Tenormin®. It belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers and its specific uses are to treat pain associated with angina and to help control high blood pressure. It is most prescribed for adults and hasn’t been tested significantly for use with children. However, in rare instances atenolol might be used for kids with rare heart defects or disease when other medications are not working.

Atenolol dosage will vary by each patient, and age of patient can be a determining factor. There are also very specific directions on how and when to take this medication. Warnings also exist about possible drug interactions and side effects.

Atenolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.
Atenolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.

Most people begin dosage at 25-50 mg. According to medical literature on this topic, maximum atenolol dosage is 100 mg (although some patients may take as much as 200 mg) and this may not be high enough to completely lower blood pressure. Some people will require other medications that work with this drug to fully address symptoms.

There are special guidelines for atenolol dosage among the elderly. Their dose may stay at 25-50 mg. This is because the medication can affect the kidneys. Particular concerns exist when using this medication in any person who has impaired kidney function. If used, the dose is generally at the low end.

Atenolol may be prescribed to treat angina pain.
Atenolol may be prescribed to treat angina pain.

Another exception to atenolol dosage may occur when the medication is used for other purposes. Sometimes doctors use it right after a heart attack has occurred to stabilize blood pressure. The amount used will depend upon the discretion of the treating physician.

For most people who take this medication at home, the dosing instructions are the same, no matter the amount. People should strive to take atenolol at the same time every day and they should take it with a large glass of water. If the medication works effectively, most patients will see results in one to two weeks after beginning treatment.

A full glass of water should be taken with atenolol.
A full glass of water should be taken with atenolol.

There are a number of medications that may not be used when taking atenolol regularly. These include some common over the counter and prescription medications. People should avoid over the counter drugs like calcium carbonate, which is present in many antacids. Antibiotics like ampicillin are not advised, nor are medications such as insulin. If unsure, patients should check with doctors or a pharmacist to make certain this medication won’t interfere with other common meds.

Pregnant women should not take atenolol.
Pregnant women should not take atenolol.

A few people should not take atenolol, and these include women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. This medication does secrete through breast milk. It has also been indicated in causing birth defects. Those with diabetes, impaired kindney function, or history of asthma may also want to alert their doctor to these conditions prior to beginning atenolol.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon925830

I am on 100 mg per day. I think it's too high a dose.

anon332861

I am on low dose atenolol for high blood pressure. I also have "white coat syndrome". My blood pressure would often be about 180/90-100 in the doctors office. I was started on 25 mg and have remained on that and it has made a huge difference even to in clinic measurements.

Would I be right (since I have been claiming this for years due to physical feelings but pretty much ridiculed) that I might have some sort of disorder whereby too much adrenaline is produced (used to get major out-of-the-blue feelings of fight or flight), or that I have too many adrenaline receptors? Or do I have an anxiety disorder (I rarely feel stressed now since I started on low dose atenolol). I have a background in biomedical sciences so I can understand most concepts. Look forward to reading your opinions.

accordion

The side effects are one of the reasons that atenolol dosage can vary so much from person to person. My dad takes either this drug or a similar one, and he does not suffer any side effects, though he probably could also take a larger dose if his doctor chose. As it is, though, he is doing fine.

behaviourism

Taking drugs like atenolol will not always help to lower blood pressure. You also do need to think about things like dietary factors, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Often a multi- prong approach is needed to really help blood pressure.

PandaGolden

@Moontiger – I take atenolol, and when I first started I was tired and a little dizzy. Plus my heart rate slowed down and my hands and feet were cold. My blood pressure would also go down for a minute whenever I switched from a seated to standing position, or a lying down to standing position. All those side effects eventually went away though, and now I’m doing great with it.

moonTiger

I just started taking atenolol; can anyone tell me some more about the side effects that come with it? Thanks!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Atenolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.
      By: Cheyenne
      Atenolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.
    • Atenolol may be prescribed to treat angina pain.
      By: michaeljung
      Atenolol may be prescribed to treat angina pain.
    • A full glass of water should be taken with atenolol.
      By: EcoPim-studio
      A full glass of water should be taken with atenolol.
    • Pregnant women should not take atenolol.
      By: Radek Sturgolewski
      Pregnant women should not take atenolol.
    • Elderly individuals usually take a lower dosage of atenolol, if taken at all.
      By: riccardo bruni
      Elderly individuals usually take a lower dosage of atenolol, if taken at all.