Atenolol; Chlorthalidone tablets

What are atenolol; chlorthalidone tablets?

ATENOLOL; CHLORTHALIDONE (Tenoretic®) is a combination of two drugs used to lower blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-blocker and chlorthalidone is a diuretic ('water pill'). Atenolol; chlorthalidone is used to control, but not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). Generic atenolol; chlorthalidone tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take atenolol; chlorthalidone?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm

• autoimmune disease such as lupus (SLE)

• bradycardia (unusually slow heartbeat)

• chest pain (angina)

• circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)

• depression

• diabetes

• electrolyte imbalance (such as low or high levels of potassium in the blood)

• emphysema, COPD, or other lung disease

• gout

• heart disease (such as heart failure or a history of heart attack)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• muscle weakness or myasthenia gravis

• pancreatitis

• pheochromocytoma

• post-sympathectomy

• psoriasis

• thyroid disease

• sulfonamide (sulfa) or thiazide allergy

• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorthalidone, atenolol, other beta-blockers, diuretics, sulfonamides, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (using potassium substitutes)

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take atenolol; chlorthalidone tablets by mouth. You can take atenolol; chlorthalidone tablets with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with atenolol; chlorthalidone?

• allopurinol

• antacids

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

• calcium salts

• cevimeline

• clonidine

• cocaine or amphetamine

• dolasetron

• ginger, Zingiber officinale

• griseofulvin

• hawthorn

• lithium

• liothyronine

• mefloquine

• medicines for chest pain or angina

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure

• medicines to control heart rhythm (including amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, and sotalol)

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)

• porfimer

• prochlorperazine (Compazine®)

• rifampin

• some antibiotics which increase sensitivity to sunlight (sulfonamides, tetracyclines)

• some medicines for lowering cholesterol (colestipol or cholestyramine)

• some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)

• vitamin A (retinol) creams or pills such as tretinoin Retin-A®, Renova®, Solage®, Atragen®, and others

• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking atenolol; chlorthalidone?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking atenolol; chlorthalidone. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Make sure you schedule appointments on a regular basis.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how atenolol; chlorthalidone affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase the risk of flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Check with your health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid while you are taking a diuretic can cause dehydration and lower the blood pressure below normal.

Atenolol; chlorthalidone can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Do not take medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your prescriber or health care professional first.

Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight (such as sunlamps, sunbathing) while taking this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking atenolol; chlorthalidone.

What side effects may I notice from taking atenolol; chlorthalidone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision (e.g. blurred vision)

• cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet

• confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• fever or chills

• increase or decrease in the amount of urine passed

• fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain

• slow heart rate

• muscle cramps

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• stomach pain

• swollen legs or ankles

• unusual skin rash or bruising

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• vomiting

• worsened gout pain

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• depression, nightmares

• diarrhea

• dry eyes or dry mouth

• headache

• increased sensitivity to the sun

• nausea

• sexual difficulties, impotence

• tiredness or fatigue

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature at 20 to 25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.