Tenoretic (Atenolol and Chlorthalidone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Tenoretic

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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...

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Tenoretic Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atenolol and chlorthalidone (Tenoretic)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to atenolol (Tenormin) or chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), 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, and others).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take atenolol and chlorthalidone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

congestive heart failure;
angina (chest pain);
liver or kidney disease;
asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disorder;
diabetes;
gout;
lupus;
a thyroid disorder;
adrenal gland tumor (also called pheochromocytoma);
psoriasis; or
problems with circulation.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use atenolol and chlorthalidone without telling your doctor 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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take atenolol and chlorthalidone (Tenoretic)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Atenolol and chlorthalidone is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and blood pressure will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using atenolol and chlorthalidone.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using atenolol and chlorthalidone.

Do not stop taking atenolol and chlorthalidone without the advice of your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause withdrawal symptoms.

If you do stop taking this medication for any reason, limit your physical activity to prevent heart problems. Your doctor may recommend that you start taking the medication again if you have withdrawal symptoms.

Store atenolol and chlorthalidone at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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