Atenolol Oral Solution 25mg/5ml SF

High blood pressure and angina are conditions that require consistent long-term management to protect the heart and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. For patients who are unable to swallow tablets, a liquid formulation provides an important alternative. Atenolol Oral Solution 25mg/5ml SF is a sugar-free, prescription-only liquid beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and certain cardiac arrhythmias in adults. It contains the same active ingredient as atenolol tablets and delivers the same therapeutic effect in a form that is more accessible for patients with swallowing difficulties or other clinical reasons for requiring a liquid medicine. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation with a registered prescriber.

Atenolol Oral Solution 25mg/5ml SF is a sugar-free oral liquid medicine containing atenolol as the active ingredient, at a concentration of 25mg per 5ml. Atenolol belongs to the beta adrenoceptor blocking agent class of medicines, commonly known as beta-blockers. It is a cardioselective beta blocker, meaning it acts preferentially on beta-1 receptors in the heart rather than on beta-2 receptors in the airways. The SF designation confirms that the solution does not contain sucrose or glucose, making it suitable for patients with diabetes or those who need to avoid sugar in their medicines.

The oral solution is licensed in the United Kingdom for the same indications as atenolol tablets: the management of hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and early intervention in suspected or definite myocardial infarction. It is typically prescribed for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid dose forms such as tablets, including some older adults, patients with dysphagia, or those who require their medicines in liquid form for another clinical reason.

All clinical information on this page is drawn from the current UK Summary of Product Characteristics for Atenolol Oral Solution 25mg/5ml SF.

Important: Do not stop taking Atenolol Oral Solution suddenly without speaking to your prescriber first. Abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker can cause a rebound increase in heart rate and blood pressure and may trigger or worsen angina or cause serious cardiac events. Your prescriber will advise on how to reduce your dose gradually if treatment needs to be stopped.

Atenolol oral solution works in exactly the same way as atenolol tablets because it contains the same active ingredient. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, atenolol selectively blocks beta-1 adrenoceptors in the heart. These receptors are normally stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase heart rate and the force of cardiac contraction. By blocking these receptors, atenolol reduces both the speed and force of the heartbeat.

Effect on Blood Pressure

The reduction in heart rate and cardiac output lowers the pressure at which blood is pumped through the arteries, reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. With regular once-daily dosing, atenolol provides sustained antihypertensive effects throughout the day. It is effective as a standalone antihypertensive treatment and is also used in combination with other medicines where additional blood pressure control is required.

Effect on Angina

In angina, the reduced heart rate and decreased force of cardiac contraction lower the oxygen demand of the heart muscle. This reduces the likelihood of the heart being starved of oxygen during physical activity or emotional stress. By lowering the workload on the heart, atenolol decreases the frequency and severity of angina episodes and improves exercise tolerance in many patients.

Effect on Heart Rhythm

In cardiac arrhythmias, atenolol slows electrical conduction through the atrioventricular node in the heart, helping to regulate and slow an abnormally fast heart rate. It is used in conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia and in rate control of atrial fibrillation and may also be used following a heart attack to reduce the risk of further cardiac events.

Always take Atenolol Oral Solution exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take Atenolol oral solution once or twice daily as directed by your prescriber. For hypertension and angina, once-daily dosing is typical.
• Take the solution at the same time each day. Consistent timing helps maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body.
• Measure the dose carefully using the oral syringe or measuring device supplied with the medicine. Do not use a household teaspoon, as this will not give an accurate dose.
• The solution can be taken directly from the oral syringe or mixed with a small amount of water immediately before taking. Follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet.
• Atenolol oral solution can be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the following day, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Never stop taking Atenolol Oral Solution suddenly without medical advice. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a significant worsening of your condition. Your prescriber will advise on a gradual reduction if treatment needs to be stopped.

Atenolol oral solution is available in one strength through this service: 25mg per 5ml. The volume of solution your prescriber instructs you to take will determine the dose you receive. The appropriate dose will be determined by your prescriber based on the condition being treated, your age, kidney function, heart rate, and clinical response.

Atenolol Oral Solution 25mg/5ml SF

Each 5ml of the oral solution provides 25mg of atenolol. The standard starting dose for most adults with hypertension is the equivalent of 50mg once daily, which corresponds to 10ml of this solution. For older patients, or those more sensitive to beta blockade, treatment may begin at the equivalent of 25mg once daily (5ml). For angina, the usual starting dose is the equivalent of 50mg once daily, with the option to increase to 100mg once daily if symptoms remain inadequately controlled. All dosing decisions are made by your prescriber. Do not adjust your dose or the volume you take without medical advice.

For patients with kidney impairment, the dose may need to be reduced and dosing intervals extended, as atenolol is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Your prescriber will take your kidney function into account when determining your dose.

Like all medicines, atenolol oral solution can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The side effects of the oral solution are the same as those of atenolol tablets, as both contain the same active ingredient. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Bradycardia (a slow heart rate) - If the heart rate becomes very slow, this may require a dose review by your prescriber
• Cold hands and feet, caused by reduced blood flow to the extremities
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly
• Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Sleep disturbance, including vivid dreams or nightmares
• Mood changes, low mood, or depression
• Headache
• Dry eyes or visual disturbances
• Skin rash or itching

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact your prescriber or go to your nearest accident and emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:

• A very slow or irregular heartbeat, or sudden worsening of breathlessness
• Significant worsening of breathlessness or wheezing, particularly if you have a respiratory condition
• Signs of heart failure such as increasing breathlessness, swelling of the ankles or legs, or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction
• Worsening of symptoms of peripheral artery disease such as leg pain on walking

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber or pharmacist or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Atenolol Oral Solution May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult with hypertension, angina, or a cardiac arrhythmia who requires beta-blocker therapy but cannot swallow tablets
• Have dysphagia or another condition that makes taking solid oral dose forms difficult
• Require a sugar-free liquid medicine due to diabetes or dietary restrictions
• Are already prescribed atenolol oral solution and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service

Atenolol Oral Solution Is Not Suitable If You:

• Have asthma or a history of bronchospasm - beta blockers, including cardioselective ones such as atenolol, are contraindicated in patients with asthma
• Have severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate) or sick sinus syndrome
• Have second or third degree heart block (unless you have a pacemaker)
• Have cardiogenic shock or uncontrolled heart failure
• Have untreated phaeochromocytoma
• Have severe peripheral artery disease or severely symptomatic Raynaud's phenomenon
• Have metabolic acidosis
• Are under 18 years of age (this service is for adults only)

Cautions

Atenolol oral solution should be used with caution in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as even cardioselective beta blockers may worsen airway obstruction in some patients. Caution is also required in patients with diabetes mellitus, as atenolol can mask some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), particularly palpitations and rapid heart rate. Patients with kidney impairment may require a lower dose or less frequent dosing, as atenolol is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Your prescriber will take these factors into account during your consultation.

Important Drug Interactions

The drug interactions relevant to Atenolol Oral Solution are the same as those for atenolol tablets. Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. The following interactions are of particular clinical importance:

• Calcium channel blockers of the verapamil or diltiazem type: combining these with atenolol can cause a significant and potentially dangerous slowing of the heart rate and reduction in blood pressure. This combination should generally be avoided unless under close specialist supervision.
• Other antihypertensive medicines: the blood pressure-lowering effect of atenolol may be enhanced when taken with other medicines that reduce blood pressure.
• Antiarrhythmic medicines such as amiodarone: concurrent use may increase the risk of bradycardia and heart block.
• Clonidine: if both atenolol and clonidine are being stopped, atenolol should be withdrawn several days before clonidine to avoid a rebound rise in blood pressure.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen: these can reduce the antihypertensive effect of atenolol.
• Insulin and oral antidiabetic medicines: atenolol may mask some warning signs of hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is particularly important in diabetic patients.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Your prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment, including a review of your current medicines, before any prescription is considered.

Atenolol oral solution is a prescription-only medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber determines, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that this medicine is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review your clinical information. This includes your blood pressure readings or cardiac history, current medicines, relevant medical conditions including any history of asthma, COPD, diabetes, or kidney disease, and your clinical reason for requiring a liquid formulation. Where you are seeking a repeat prescription, the prescriber will also assess whether your current treatment remains appropriate.

Not all consultations will result in a prescription being issued. The prescriber may recommend a different dose, a different formulation or suggest that a face-to-face appointment with your GP is more appropriate. This process is designed to ensure your safety.

If you are already being managed for hypertension, angina, or a heart condition by your GP or a hospital team, please keep them informed of all medicines you are taking, including any prescribed through online services.

• Store below 25°C.
• Store upright in the original bottle to prevent leakage and protect from light.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle. Once opened, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the in-use shelf life, as liquid medicines may have a shorter period of safe use after opening than their stated expiry date.
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out-of-date medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Full storage instructions, including the in-use shelf life after opening, are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The table below compares liquid oral solution products available at Pharmacy Planet. These formulations provide the same active ingredients as standard tablets or capsules in a liquid form, suitable for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid oral medicines.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, responsible prescribing, and accurate patient information. We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service.

Our pharmacy team is available to answer questions about Atenolol Oral Solution, liquid medicine formulations, or cardiovascular health more broadly. We are committed to providing clear, honest information to support you in managing your health safely and with confidence.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Atenolol Oral Solution 25mg/5ml SF — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed August 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed August 2026.
3. NHS. Atenolol. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/atenolol. Accessed August 2026.
4. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Atenolol. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed August 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed August 2026.