Tenormin (atenolol) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain heart problems. Tenormin comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to treat.

Tenormin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:

Tenormin belongs to a drug class called beta-blockers. Tenormin is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Tenormin, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Tenormin, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Tenormin provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Tenormin, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for details about Tenormin’s dosages for its approved uses.

Tenormin form

Tenormin comes as an oral tablet.

Tenormin strengths

Tenormin comes in three strengths:

  • 25 milligrams (mg)
  • 50 mg
  • 100 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for high blood pressure

Doctors may prescribe Tenormin to treat high blood pressure.

If your doctor prescribes Tenormin for high blood pressure, your starting dose will likely be 50 mg. Typically, you’ll take this once per day. After about 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend a dose increase, up to 100 mg. This is the maximum dose of Tenormin that’s recommended.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for angina

Tenormin is also approved to help treat angina. In this case, the recommended starting dose of Tenormin is 50 mg. You’ll usually take this once per day. After 1 week, your doctor may recommend increasing your daily dose to 100 mg. In some cases, your doctor may increase your dosage to 200 mg taken once per day. This is the maximum dose of Tenormin that’s recommended.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Dosage for heart attack

Doctors may also prescribe Tenormin for people who have had a heart attack. The recommended dosage is 100 mg once per day or 50 mg twice per day. For more information about your dosage, talk with your doctor.

How to take Tenormin

Tenormin comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Don’t chew the tablets. If your doctor recommends it, you may cut the tablets in half. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Tenormin around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Tenormin can work effectively.

To make sure you don’t miss a dose, you can set a reminder on your phone.

If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

If you have questions about how to take Tenormin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term treatment

Tenormin is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Tenormin is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Tenormin, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having difficulty opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Tenormin in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you don’t take more Tenormin than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Tenormin can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Tenormin

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Tenormin. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Tenormin.

Can Tenormin be used for anxiety? If so, what’s the dosage?

Yes. Beta-blockers like Tenormin may be prescribed off-label for anxiety. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what the FDA approved it for.

Because Tenormin isn’t approved for anxiety, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. If you’d like to learn more about Tenormin for anxiety, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Tenormin to start working?

Tenormin starts to work after your first dose. If you’re taking Tenormin to treat high blood pressure, it may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of the medication. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Tenormin treatment.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.