Atenolol 50 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: High blood pressure (hypertension); Angina – chest pain on exertion.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.44 to ₹2.77 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atenolol Tablets IP 50 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 14 | ₹6.19 | ₹0.44 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ziblok 50 | FDC Ltd | 14 | ₹10.49 | ₹0.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hipres 50 | Cipla Ltd | 14 | ₹32.01 | ₹2.29 | 19 October 2026 |
| Tenolol 50 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 14 | ₹35.20 | ₹2.51 | 19 October 2026 |
| Atecard 50 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 14 | ₹38.16 | ₹2.73 | 19 October 2026 |
| Tenormin 50 | Abbott | 14 | ₹38.54 | ₹2.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Betacard 50 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 14 | ₹38.48 | ₹2.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Aten 50 | Zydus Cadila | 14 | ₹38.72 | ₹2.77 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Angina – chest pain on exertion.
- Irregular or fast heartbeat (arrhythmia).
- Protecting the heart after a heart attack.
- Preventing migraine attacks.
How to take it
Take one 50 mg tablet once a day at the same time, usually in the morning, with or without food. Swallow it whole with water. Your doctor may start with 25 mg and increase slowly. Atenolol slows the heart and lowers blood pressure; it takes a few days to settle in. High blood pressure and heart conditions usually need long-term treatment – keep taking it even when you feel well. Never stop suddenly, as this can cause a rebound rise in heart rate and blood pressure or bring on angina; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually. See your doctor if you feel breathless, your ankles swell, or your pulse is very slow.
Side effects
Common
- Tiredness or weakness.
- Cold hands and feet, tingling.
- Slow heartbeat.
- Nausea, diarrhoea.
- Dizziness.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Breathlessness, swollen ankles, dizziness or fainting (possible heart problem).
- Wheezing or chest tightness – especially if you have asthma.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine (liver problem).
- Hallucinations or confusion.
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol; it adds to the blood-pressure-lowering effect and can make you dizzy.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Atenolol can slow the baby's growth, so other beta blockers such as labetalol are usually preferred. It passes into breast milk and may slow the baby's heart.
Kidney problems
Atenolol is cleared by the kidneys; the dose is reduced if kidney function is low and it is avoided in severe kidney disease.
Liver problems
No routine dose change, but report yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Children
Sometimes prescribed by specialists with weight-based dosing.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Verapamil and diltiazem – together with atenolol the heart can slow dangerously; usually avoided.
- Other blood pressure medicines and clonidine – blood pressure may drop too far, and stopping clonidine needs care.
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac (NSAIDs) – can reduce its effect.
- Insulin and diabetes tablets – atenolol can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Digoxin, flecainide, amiodarone – heart rate may slow too much.
- Cold remedies with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and adrenaline.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aten 50 used for?
Aten 50 contains atenolol 50 mg, a beta blocker. It is used for high blood pressure, angina, irregular or fast heartbeat, protecting the heart after a heart attack, and preventing migraine.
Aten 25 vs Aten 50 – what is the difference?
Only the strength. Doctors often start with 25 mg and increase to 50 mg once daily; some people need 100 mg. Do not change strength on your own.
Can I take Aten 50 with alcohol?
Limit alcohol. Both lower blood pressure, so together they can make you dizzy or faint, especially when standing up.
Should Aten 50 be taken in the morning or at night?
Usually once a day in the morning, but the key is the same time every day. If it makes you dizzy, your doctor may suggest bedtime dosing.
Can I stop Tenormin 50 once my BP is normal?
No. Your BP is normal because the tablet is working. Stopping a beta blocker suddenly can cause rebound high blood pressure, a fast heart rate or chest pain. Any reduction must be gradual, under your doctor.
Is Aten 50 safe for asthma patients?
Beta blockers can tighten the airways and atenolol is generally avoided in asthma. Tell your doctor if you have asthma or COPD or use an inhaler.
Does atenolol affect diabetes?
It can mask the warning signs of a hypo such as a racing heart. If you take insulin or glimepiride, check your sugar more often and know the other hypo symptoms like sweating and confusion.
Atenolol vs metoprolol – which is better?
Both are heart-selective beta blockers. Atenolol is cleared by the kidneys and is cheaper; metoprolol succinate is preferred in heart failure and in kidney disease. Your doctor chooses based on your condition.
Does Aten 50 cause tiredness or erectile problems?
Tiredness and cold hands are common at first and often ease. Erectile difficulty can occur with beta blockers; tell your doctor rather than stopping – an alternative can be chosen.
Sources
- NHS – Atenolol (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms