Atenolol Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Atenolol (Tenormin) is a medication that’s FDA approved for chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also improve your chance of survival if taken after a heart attack. It belongs to a class of medications called beta blockers.

If you have a prescription for atenolol, it’s important to understand how to take your medication properly. In this guide, we’ll cover FDA-approved atenolol dosages. But keep in mind that your healthcare provider may recommend a dose that’s different from what’s discussed here. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about your atenolol dosage.

Note: Atenolol isn’t approved for use in children. While a healthcare provider may prescribe it off-label for a child, we won’t be discussing children’s dosages in this guide. Please discuss questions or concerns regarding your child’s prescription with their provider.

What’s the typical atenolol dosage for adults?

The typical atenolol dosage depends on why you’re taking it. Atenolol comes as an oral tablet and is available in multiple doses, ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg.

Atenolol has three FDA-approved uses, including angina and hypertension. But, it’s not a first-choice treatment for hypertension in most cases. It’s also approved to take after having a heart attack. For each of these conditions, the atenolol dosage can vary.

Angina

The typical atenolol dosage for angina is 50 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may raise your dose to 100 mg once daily if your heart rate remains high after a week. The maximum recommended atenolol dosage for angina is 200 mg once daily.

Hypertension

The recommended starting atenolol dosage for hypertension is 50 mg once daily. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to see the full effects of the medication. If your blood pressure remains high after that point, your healthcare provider may up your dose to 100 mg once daily. The maximum recommended atenolol dosage for hypertension is 100 mg once daily.

After a heart attack 

If you have a heart attack, you may get an injectable form of atenolol while you’re in the hospital. It should ideally be started within 12 hours of having a heart attack. Before you leave the hospital, you’ll be switched to the oral version of atenolol. You’ll likely continue taking it after leaving the hospital, too.

The recommended oral atenolol dosage for after a heart attack is 100 mg once daily or 50 mg twice daily.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Certain groups of people may be prescribed a different atenolol dosage from what we’ve covered above. This includes people with kidney problems and older adults.

People with kidney problems

People with kidney problems may need a lower dose of atenolol. This is because atenolol is removed from the body by the kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working as they’re supposed to, the medication can build up in your body. This can raise the risk of side effects.

The recommended atenolol dosage is based on your creatinine clearance (CrCl). This is a blood test that’s used to estimate how well your kidneys are working. A lower CrCl may indicate that your kidneys are not working properly.

Starting atenolol dosages for people with kidney problems are described below:

• CrCl greater than 35 mL/min: Follow typical atenolol dosages.

• CrCl between 15 and 35 mL/min: Maximum dosage is 50 mg once daily.

• CrCl less than 15 mL/min: Maximum dosage is 25 mg once daily.

• People receiving dialysis: Take 25 mg or 50 mg after your dialysis session.

Since your CrCl can change over time, your provider may ask you to go for blood tests from time to time. Based on your results, they may adjust your atenolol dosage.

Older adults

If you’re 65 years of age or older, you may need a lower starting dose of atenolol. This is because older adults may be more sensitive to atenolol’s effects.

Atenolol can also raise your risk of falls, which can be serious in older adults. The risk is higher for people who have fallen before. Your risk is also greater shortly after atenolol is started or after a dosage change.

Starting with a low atenolol dosage and raising it slowly can help lower the risk of falls. Be sure to change positions slowly and hold onto sturdy surfaces when standing. Talk to your provider right away if you experience side effects, like dizziness and lightheadedness.

What happens if you miss a dose of atenolol?

If you forget to take a dose of atenolol, try to take it as soon as you remember. But if your next dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule. Don’t double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

Let your healthcare provider know right away if you’ve missed multiple doses of atenolol in a row. Missing too many atenolol doses can lead to sudden or extremely high blood pressure, which can be serious.

Can you safely stop taking atenolol?

You shouldn’t stop taking atenolol without talking to your healthcare provider first. Abruptly stopping atenolol can worsen your condition. It can also cause serious withdrawal symptoms like chest pain, high blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat. This can lead to other serious consequences, including a heart attack.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re questioning stopping atenolol. If you’re considering stopping due to side effects, your provider can give tips for managing them. If your provider agrees that stopping atenolol is best for you, they can offer a plan to help you lower your dose slowly and safely.

What should you do if you take too much atenolol?

Taking too much atenolol can raise your risk of experiencing side effects. These may include low blood pressure, low heart rate, and a tired feeling.

If you think you took too much atenolol, reach out to your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms seem mild. They can help you manage the situation based on your symptoms and/or how much atenolol you took. Depending on your situation, they may suggest that you get medical help. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save on atenolol

There are ways to save on atenolol, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save up to 90% off the average retail price of the generic version. Atenolol’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.00 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Makaela Premont, PharmD

Makaela Premont, PharmD, is a pharmacist and the founder of uniquelymickie.com, a website dedicated to helping pharmacy students and pharmacists create a life that they enjoy. She received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina and is a licensed pharmacist in North Carolina.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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