What are atenolol tablets?

Atenolol tablets are medications that belong to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. Atenolol tablets are approved for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina (chest pain originating from the heart), and heart attacks. When used in the treatment of high blood pressure, atenolol tablets directly lower the blood pressure; the higher the dose, the greater will be the fall in blood pressure. However, they do not cure high blood pressure and blood pressure will rise if they are stopped. When used to treat heart attacks and angina, atenolol tablets lower the amount of oxygen that the heart needs, while increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart. They do this by lowering both the blood pressure and heart rate. Increasing the oxygen delivered to the heart, relative to how much it needs, can help prevent angina and increase the chances of survival among heart-attack sufferers.

Atenolol tablets may also be used "off-label" for the treatment of migraine headaches, overactive thyroid, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, and withdrawal from alcohol. Atenolol tablets are available by prescription; they are sold in the United States under the brand name Tenormin or as generics.