Comparing Atenolol vs Propranolol

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Atenolol	Propranolol	Enter another drug to compare

Atenolol

Propranolol

Prescription only

Atenolol works on heart-specific receptors to lower blood pressure and slow heart rate; however, this selective effect on the heart may be lost with dosages greater than 50mg/day which increases the... View more

Prescription only

Propranolol is mainly used for blood pressure and angina control; however, it also has a role in migraine prevention and the treatment of essential tremor. Propranolol may cause vivid dreams and is... View more

More about Atenolol

More about Propranolol

Ratings & Reviews

Atenolol has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 276 ratings on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

Propranolol has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 1379 ratings on Drugs.com. 77% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect.

View all 276 reviews

View all 1379 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Dizziness (11.2%)
Tiredness (9.4%)
Anxiety (6.5%)
Depression (6.5%)
Chest pain (5.4%)
Heart palpitations (5.1%)
Insomnia (5.1%)

View all Atenolol side effects

Tremors (10.4%)
Anxiety (6.7%)
Tiredness (6.6%)
Increased heart rate (6.5%)
Dizziness (5.1%)
Sweating (4.9%)
Headaches (4.1%)

View all Propranolol side effects

Drug Class

Cardioselective beta blockers

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	30 tablet
Strength	50 mg
Per unit^*	$0.39 - $0.89
Cost^*	$11.55 - $26.64

View all Atenolol prices

Quantity	50 each
Strength	20 mg
Per unit^*	$0.35
Cost^*	$17.39

View all Propranolol prices

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Dosage Forms

Oral tablet

Intravenous solution
Oral capsule, extended release
Oral solution
Oral tablet

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

6.2 hours

6.4 hours

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA terms

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 477 drugs are known to interact with Atenolol:

27 major drug interactions (132 brand and generic names)
420 moderate drug interactions (3124 brand and generic names)
30 minor drug interactions (212 brand and generic names)

A total of 590 drugs are known to interact with Propranolol:

47 major drug interactions (215 brand and generic names)
493 moderate drug interactions (3297 brand and generic names)
50 minor drug interactions (611 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

You may take atenolol with or without food, but take it the same way every time. Avoid consumption... View more
Atenolol and alcohol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience... View more

Food can enhance the levels of propranolol in your body. You shoud take propranolol at the same... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

August 19, 1981

November 13, 1967

WADA Class View classifications

P1 - Beta-Blockers

P1 - Beta-Blockers

More Information

Patient Resources

Professional Resources

¹ The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Comparing Atenolol vs Propranolol

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