First Interim Dividend

ASTRAZENECA PLC
3 August 1999

1ST INTERIM DIVIDEND
COMPANY NAME
*ASTRAZENECA PLC
SECURITY TITLE
*Ord Shs
MNEMONIC CODE       *AZN
SEDOL CODE          *989-529
DIVIDEND AMOUNT     *$0.23
PERIOD              *6 months ended 30-06-99
PROVISIONAL EX DATE *06-09-99
RECORD DATE         *10-09-99
PAYMENT DATE        *25-10-99
DIV/SCRIP OPTION    *Info n/av
NOTES *