Atenolol and chlorthalidone

Generic name: Atenolol And Chlorthalidone
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg-25 mg; 50 mg-25 mg)
Drug class: Beta blockers with thiazides

Usage of Atenolol and chlorthalidone

Atenolol is a beta-blocker. Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill).

Atenolol and chlorthalidone is a combination medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Atenolol and chlorthalidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Atenolol and chlorthalidone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Atenolol and chlorthalidone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

new or worsening chest pain;

slow or uneven heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

cold feeling in your hands and feet;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

low sodium level --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or

low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of atenolol and chlorthalidone may include:

slow heartbeats;

feeling weak or tired;

dizziness, drowsiness;

numbness or tingling;

pale skin, bruising or bleeding;

depression; or

upset stomach, loss of appetite, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Atenolol and chlorthalidone

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atenolol or chlorthalidone, or if you have:

a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree);

very slow heartbeats;

heart failure;

if you are unable to urinate; or

if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

congestive heart failure;

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

angina (chest pain);

asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disorder;

diabetes;

a thyroid or parathyroid disorder;

liver or kidney disease;

pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

gout;

lupus;

peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;

psoriasis;

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood); or

allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Taking atenolol and chlorthalidone during the second or third trimester of pregnancy may cause low birth weight, slow heartbeats, or or low blood sugar in the newborn.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice symptoms such as weakness, unusual hunger, fussiness, or sweating in the nursing baby.

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How to use Atenolol and chlorthalidone

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: Atenolol 50 mg-Chlorthalidone 25 mg orally once a dayMaintenance dose: Atenolol 50 to 100 mg-Chlorthalidone 25 mg orally once a dayUse: Treatment of hypertension if the fixed dose combination represents an appropriate dose for the individual patient.

Warnings

You should not use atenolol and chlorthalidone if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block or slow heart rate, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Do not use atenolol and chlorthalidone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

What other drugs will affect Atenolol and chlorthalidone

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect atenolol and chlorthalidone, especially:

digoxin, digitalis;

indomethacin;

insulin;

lithium;

any other beta-blocker--bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol, and others; or

heart or blood pressure medication--amiodarone, clonidine, diltiazem, disopyramide, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, verapamil, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect atenolol and chlorthalidone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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