What Is Atenolol Chlorthalidone? ~ Welcome To Francis Uche's Blog

Atenolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.
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.
Do not use if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
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.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atenolol or chlorthalidone, or 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 (such as Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, SMZ-TMP, and others).

To make sure atenolol and chlorthalidone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

a history of heart disease;
circulation problems, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
angina (chest pain);
asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disorder;
cirrhosis or other liver disease;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
gout;
lupus;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
a thyroid disorder;
psoriasis; or
adrenal gland tumor (also called pheochromocytoma).

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use atenolol and chlorthalidone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Atenolol and chlorthalidone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Atenolol Chlorthalidone Side Effects

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

cold feeling in your hands and feet;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
signs of electrolyte imbalance--dry mouth, increased thirst, weakness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects may include:

tired feeling;
dizziness;
slow heartbeats;
depression;
nausea, diarrhea; or
trouble breathing.

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.

Atenolol Chlorthalidone Interactions

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. 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.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with atenolol and chlorthalidone, especially:

any other diuretics or blood pressure medicines;
lithium; or
heart rhythm medicine--amiodarone, disopyramide.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with atenolol and chlorthalidone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Atenolol Chlorthalidone Dosage

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
While using atenolol and chlorthalidone, your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need frequent blood tests.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking atenolol and chlorthalidone. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medicine.
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.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using atenolol and chlorthalidone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
You should not stop using atenolol and chlorthalidone suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. 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.
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.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.