NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Atenolol

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker used for hypertension and angina. It is hydrophilic and does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily, potentially causing fewer central nervous system side effects. However, it is no longer considered a first-line antihypertensive based on the LIFE trial showing inferiority to losartan for stroke prevention.

Evidence tier
Moderate
Indexed sources
10 2013–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker used for hypertension and angina. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as moderate. Common adult dosing is 25–100 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete coq10. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Effective blood pressure reduction
  • Reduces angina frequency
  • Fewer CNS side effects (hydrophilic)
  • Once-daily dosing for most patients
What to watch for
  • Bradycardia
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Severe sinus bradycardia
  • Second- or third-degree heart block without pacemaker

The bottom line

Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: effective blood pressure reduction, reduces angina frequency, fewer cns side effects (hydrophilic). 10 sources indexed (2013–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. Reduces heart rate, cardiac contractility, and cardiac output. Decreases renin secretion. Hydrophilic nature limits CNS penetration. Does not have intrinsic sympathomimetic activity or membrane-stabilizing properties.5

Class
Beta-1 Selective Adrenergic Blocker
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
25–100 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet

Can be taken with or without food; renally eliminated, requires dose adjustment in renal impairment

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

CoQ10

Mild

Chronic beta-blocker therapy has been associated with lower tissue CoQ10 status and reduced mitochondrial electron transport support.

Replace Coenzyme Q10Monitor Plasma CoQ10Onset Usually over months of chronic use

Full Atenolol depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Bradycardia
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Cold extremities
  • Nausea
  • Depression (less common than lipophilic beta-blockers)
  • Sexual dysfunction

Contraindications

  • Severe sinus bradycardia
  • Second- or third-degree heart block without pacemaker
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Decompensated heart failure
  • Sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reviews & position papers

1

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Atenolol, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Atenolol?

Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker used for hypertension and angina. It is hydrophilic and does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily, potentially causing fewer central nervous system side effects. However, it is no longer considered a first-line antihypertensive based on the LIFE trial showing inferiority to losartan for stroke prevention.

What is Atenolol used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Atenolol include: Effective blood pressure reduction; Reduces angina frequency; Fewer CNS side effects (hydrophilic); Once-daily dosing for most patients. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.

What is a typical dose of Atenolol?

A typical adult dose of Atenolol is 25–100 mg once daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Atenolol?

Reported side effects include bradycardia, fatigue, dizziness, cold extremities, nausea, depression (less common than lipophilic beta-blockers). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Atenolol?

NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Atenolol in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.