PTCE Top 200 · #75

Atenolol

Tenormin

Atenolol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Tenormin. It is a beta blocker (beta-1 selective) used to treat hypertension, angina. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Atenolol ranks #75 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameAtenolol
Brand name(s)Tenormin
Drug classBeta blocker (beta-1 selective)
Class groupCardiovascular
Common usehypertension, angina
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Atenolol used for?

• Hypertension. • Angina pectoris.

What drug class is Atenolol?

Atenolol is a Beta blocker (beta-1 selective) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Atenolol

Major interactions

Is Atenolol a controlled substance?

No. Atenolol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

How to remember Atenolol (PTCE mnemonic)

TENORmin TONEs down the heart — ateno-LOL is β1-selective, renally cleared. Slows HR/BP, masks hypoglycemia; dose-adjust in renal impairment.
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PTCE exam tip

Atenolol is a beta-1 'cardioselective' blocker (-olol) — generally safer in asthma than nonselective ones like propranolol.

Atenolol FAQ

What is the brand name for Atenolol?

The brand name for Atenolol is Tenormin.

What is Atenolol used for?

Atenolol is used to treat hypertension, angina. • Hypertension. • Angina pectoris.

What drug class is Atenolol?

Atenolol is a Beta blocker (beta-1 selective) (Cardiovascular group).

Is Atenolol a controlled substance?

No. Atenolol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group

Drill Atenolol the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).