Tenoretic

Common Name: atenolol - chlorthalidone

How does Tenoretic work?

This is a combination product that contains two medications, atenolol and chlorthalidone. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by decreasing the workload of the heart. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill) that helps to eliminate excess salt and water from the body. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Tenoretic?

The eventual dose of atenolol-chlorthalidone is determined by treating with each of the ingredients separately (i.e., atenolol and chlorthalidone) and finding the best daily dose for each. The combination medication may then be used at the appropriate dose. The recommended dose of atenolol-chlorthalidone ranges from 1 tablet of the atenolol 50 mg-chlorthalidone 25 mg combination daily to 1 tablet of the atenolol 100 mg-chlorthalidone 25 mg combination daily. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled after use of the higher strength medication, the doctor may prescribe an additional blood pressure lowering medication that works in a different way. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is within eight hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping the medication suddenly after you have been taking it for a while may cause unpleasant and potentially harmful effects.

What form(s) does Tenoretic come in?

Tablet

What should I NOT take with Tenoretic?

Atenolol - chlorthalidone should not be taken by people who: are allergic to atenolol, chlorthalidone or to any ingredients of the medication are allergic to sulfa drugs (e.g. sulfamethoxazole) have a severely slow heart rate have a serious heart block have congestive heart failure are not able to expel urine have very low blood pressure have severe peripheral arterial disorders (blockage of blood flow to limbs of body) have a condition known as pheochromocytoma (in the absence of alpha-blockade) have metabolic acidosis have a condition known as right ventricular failure caused by pulmonary hypertension have a condition known as "sick sinus syndrome"

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Tenoretic?

Stopping usage: Atenolol should not be stopped suddenly by people have angina. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina and of heart attackor abnormal heart rhythms occurring in people with angina pectoris who have done this. Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking atenolol. Chlorthalidone may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Dose adjustment of antidiabetic agents, including insulin, may be required. People with diabetes who take insulin or other drugs that work by affecting the insulin in the blood should be cautious and monitor blood sugar carefully while taking this medication. Breathing conditions: People with asthma and certain other breathing problems should not, in general, take beta-blockers such as atenolol. Low doses of atenolol may be taken with caution by people with asthma who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, alternative treatment. Slow heart rate: People with an abnormally slow pulse should not, in general, take beta-blockers such as atenolol. Liver function: Chlorthalidone should be used with caution by people with reduced liver function or progressive liver disease. Fluid and electrolyte balance: The levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced by the use of chlorthalidone. The doctor will periodically check to see whether these are in balance, and a potassium supplement may be necessary when taking this drug. Gout: High levels of uric acid may occur in the blood or gout may be brought on in certain people receiving chlorthalidone. Cholesterol levels: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking chlorthalidone. Occupational hazards: Dizziness or fatigue may occur when starting treatment with this medication. This may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Exercise caution with these activities until you find out whether the medication affects you in this way History of heart failure: People with a history of heart failure should be cautious while taking atenolol as it may increase the risks associated with this condition. Prinzmetal's angina: Atenolol may increase the number and duration of angina attacks in patients with Prinzmetal's angina. Therefore, people suffering from this condition should be cautious while taking atenolol. Hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones): People with hyperthyroidism should be cautious while taking atenolol it may reduce the symptoms of this condition giving a false impression of improvement. Kidney disease: People with kidney disease should be cautious while taking atenolol as they are at increased risk of experiencing side effects. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Chlorthalidone should be used with caution in people with systemic lupus erythematosus as it may worsen this condition. Severe allergies: People with allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe) should talk to their doctor about what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Atenolol may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with epinephrine. Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking a medication that contains atenolol. Pregnancy: There have not been adequate studies on the use of atenolol by pregnant women; however, studies have shown that atenolol does cross the placental barrier. It should not be taken by pregnant women unless the potential benefit justifies the risk. Breast-feeding: Atenolol and chlorthalidone both appear in breast milk. This medication should not be used by nursing mothers. Children: There is no experience with atenolol in the treatment of children. It is not recommended for use by children.