What is Atenolol and Chlorthalidone?
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone is a combination medicine prescribed for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-blocker drug that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt – condition that can lead to fluid retention.
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Tenoretic and Tenoric (made by IPC). This medication may also be given for conditions not listed over here.
Important Information about Atenolol and Chlorthalidone
Do not take Atenolol and Chlorthalidone (Tenoretic, Tenoric) if you are allergic to it, or if you are unable to urinate, have a serious heart problem (heart block or slow heart rate), or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: heart disease or congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, lupus, gout, psoriasis, adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), glaucoma, diabetes, or asthma.
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone belongs to FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Atenolol and Chlorthalidone can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in the second or the third trimester. Use of an effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. It is not known whether Atenolol and Chlorthalidone can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about safely taking this medicine if you are breast feeding.
Do not discontinue the use of Atenolol and Chlorthalidone without your doctor’s advice. If you do stop taking this medicine, you must limit your physical activity to prevent any heart problems. You may be advised to take this medication again if you have withdrawal symptoms.
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone will not treat hypertension by itself. You will be prescribed other medications as well as proper diet and exercises to complement this medication in the fight against high blood pressure. Follow your doctor’s directions strictly.
Before taking Atenolol and Chlorthalidone
Before taking Atenolol and Chlorthalidone (Tenoretic, Tenoric), remember to take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.
How should I take Atenolol and Chlorthalidone?
Take Atenolol and Chlorthalidone strictly according to your doctor’s directions or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.
While taking Atenolol and Chlorthalidone, watch out for vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. These can lead to severe dehydration which can further lower your blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a dangerous and fatal condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these conditions while taking this medicine.
You may have to take this medicine for many years, even if you feel healthy. High blood pressure doesn’t have any outwardly signs. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Atenolol and Chlorthalidone for any reasons, take it at the instant you remember it. However, skip the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
What if I overdose?
In case of an overdose of Atenolol and Chlorthalidone, get emergency medical attention. Overdose may result in severe tiredness, trouble breathing, wheezing, slow heart rate, chest pain, swelling, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Things and Activities to avoid while taking Atenolol and Chlorthalidone
Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Do not become overheated or dehydrated during exercise and hot weather. Follow your doctor’s directions about the type and amount of fluids you should drink. Atenolol and Chlorthalidone may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or regular use of salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone Side Effects
Some common side effects of Atenolol and Chlorthalidone are dizziness, light headedness, swelling in ankles or feet, or flushing. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away.
This medication may reduce blood supply to hands and feet making them go cold. This effect is worsened by Smoking. The Chlorthalidone in this medication may cause your body to lose too much water, salt, and minerals which can cause effects like extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps, weakness, irregular or fast heartbeat, or confusion. Contact your doctor right away in such a case.
These are not all the side effects that you may experience or witness due to Atenolol and Chlorthalidone. If you get any other serious side effects (such as seizures, very slow heartbeat, fainting, breathing trouble, joint pain, mood changes, depression, blue finger/toes, or other serious effects) due to this medication, contact your doctor right away. We recommend that you report your side effects to FDA by calling their toll-free number 1-800-FDA-1088.
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone Dosing Information
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, s**, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.
Interaction with other drugs
Many other drugs can interact with Atenolol and Chlorthalidone. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially other blood pressure medicines, digoxin, dobutamine, indomethacin, isoproterenol, lithium, diabetes medicines, heart rhythm medicines, other diuretics, or steroidal medicines. However, these are not the only medications that can interact with Atenolol and Chlorthalidone. There may be others. Do not start a new medication on your own without proper medical advice.
