Tenoretic (Atenolol and Chlorthalidone) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Tenoretic

High Blood Pressure »

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

Read the High Blood Pressure article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Tenoretic User Reviews >>

Tenoretic

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow

Take the Salt Quiz!

Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

font size

Tenoretic Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ATENOLOL/CHLORTHALIDONE - ORAL

(a-TEN-oh-lol/klor-THAL-i-done)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tenoretic

WARNING: Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop this drug. Some people who have suddenly stopped taking similar drugs have had chest pain, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, he or she may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over 1 to 2 weeks.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop chest pain/tightness/pressure, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications, atenolol and chlorthalidone. Atenolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by keeping certain natural chemicals such as epinephrine from acting on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart. Chlorthalidone is a "water pill" (diuretic) and causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water. This effect may increase the amount of urine you make when you first start the medication. It also helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.

If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when to take this medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase).