Drug Notes

Atenolol/chlorthalidone (By mouth)

Atenolol (a-TEN-oh-lol), Chlorthalidone (klor-THAL-i-done)

Treats high blood pressure. A lower blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. This medicine contains a beta blocker and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Tenoretic 100, Tenoretic 50

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using clonidine (Catapres®, Combipres®), digoxin (Lanoxin®, Digitek®), indomethacin (Indocin®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), reserpine, insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glimepiride, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Janumet®, Januvia®), medicine to treat a heart rhythm problem (such as amiodarone, disopyramide, Cordarone®, Norpace®), or other blood pressure medicines (such as amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, Caduet®, Lotrel®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, angina (severe chest pain), diabetes, gout, heart or blood vessel problems, heart failure, lung disease, lupus, overactive thyroid, mineral imbalance (such as high calcium or low potassium, sodium in the blood), or a history of asthma or allergies. Tell your doctor if you have an untreated adrenal problem called pheochromocytoma.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Dry eyes
• Mild skin rash
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017