Generic name: atenolol and chlorthalidone [ a-ten-oh-lole-and-klor-thal-i-done ]
Drug class: Beta blockers with thiazides
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Tenoretic 100, Atenolol and chlorthalidone, Tenoretic
What is Tenoretic 50?
Atenolol is a beta-blocker. Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill).
Tenoretic 50 is a combination medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Tenoretic 50 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Tenoretic 50 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 Tenoretic 50 if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
How should I use Tenoretic 50
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other medical tests.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking Tenoretic 50.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your condition may need to be treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Tenoretic 50. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Tenoretic 50.
You should not stop using Tenoretic 50 suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
If you do stop taking this medicine, limit your physical activity to prevent heart problems.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Before Taking
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 Tenoretic 50 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, extreme weakness, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeats, swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while using Tenoretic 50?
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Tenoretic 50 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.
Tenoretic 50 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 Tenoretic 50 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.
See more: Tenoretic 50 Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Tenoretic 50?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Tenoretic 50, 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 Tenoretic 50. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.