Atenolol Dose

For most people with high blood pressure or angina, the suggested starting atenolol dose is 50 mg once a day. The maximum daily dose of atenolol for high blood pressure control is 100 mg, while the maximum daily dose for treating angina symptoms is 200 mg. Following a heart attack, atenolol is given in the hospital through an intravenous line (IV). Your healthcare provider may start you on a lower dosage of atenolol if you have kidney disease or failure, or are over the age of 65.

 

Atenolol Dose: An Introduction

The dose of atenolol (Tenormin®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your atenolol dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Atenolol Dose for High Blood Pressure

The recommended starting dosage of atenolol for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is 50 mg once a day. After a couple of weeks, based on the blood pressure response and/or atenolol side effects, the atenolol dosage may be increased or decreased. Your healthcare provider may also add a diuretic (which is a "water pill") or another blood pressure medication if your blood pressure is not controlled by atenolol alone.
 
The maximum recommended daily dose of atenolol is 100 mg.
 

Atenolol Dose for Angina

The recommended starting dosage for people with
 angina is atenolol 50 mg, taken once a day. After one week, based on the response and/or side effects, the atenolol dosage may be increased or decreased.
 
The maximum daily dose for treating angina symptoms is atenolol 200 mg.
 
(Atenolol Dose Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;