Atenolol/chlorthalidone (By mouth)

Introduction:

Atenolol (a-TEN-oh-lol), Chlorthalidone (klor-THAL-i-done)

Treats high blood pressure, fluid retention (edema), and angina (chest pain). May prevent repeat heart attacks. This medicine is a combination of a beta blocker and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Tenoretic 100, Tenoretic 50

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to atenolol, chlorthalidone, sulfa drugs, or other blood pressure medicines (such as metoprolol, propranolol). You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you have certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If your next regular dose is less than 8 hours away, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amiodarone (Cordarone®), clonidine (Catapres®, Combipres®), cold medicine or diet pills, digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium, theophylline (Slo-Bid®, Theo-Dur®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as Glipizide®, Glucotrol®, Glyburide®), heart medicine (such as verapamil, Adalat®, Cardizem®, Plendil®, Procardia®), medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline), or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung problems, blood vessel disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, problems urinating, overactive thyroid, or a history of depression.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
  • Confusion, weakness, dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps
  • Fever, chills, sore throat
  • Slow heartbeat, fainting, seizures, blue fingernails or palms
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing
  • Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Problems having sex
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stuffy nose
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