Atenolol is a beta blocker that treats angina, arrhythmia, heart attack and hypertension. Learn how it works, what are its common side effects and available medicines on 1mg.com. Atenolol is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure. Learn about side effects, drug interactions, dosages, warnings, and more. Atenolol is an antihypertensive agent belonging to the beta-blocker class.It is approved for treating hypertension, angina pectoris due to coronary atherosclerosis, and acute myocardial infarction. Atenolol is a hydrophilic beta-receptor blocker mostly excreted by the kidneys; the liver is only involved in the metabolism of roughly 5% of the drug. About 50% of the beta-blocker is finally bioavailable after oral treatment since Atenolol is only partially absorbed from the colon. Only 3% of ... Atenolol is a beta blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart-associated chest pain. [6] .