Tablets
To treat high blood pressure with or without concurrent angina.
Atenolol slows the rate and force of contraction of the heart by blocking certain nerve impulses, thus reducing blood pressure. Chlorthalidone (a diuretic) increases the elimination of urine from the body. By reducing the overall fluid volume and excess sodium in the body, diuretics reduce blood volume and so reduce pressure within the blood vessels.
Initial dose is 1 tablet a day (each tablet contains 50 mg atenolol and 25 mg chlor-thalidone). The dose can be increased to 2 tablets a day.
Within one hour.
Twenty-four hours.
This drug can be taken with or without food, as instructed by your doctor.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct light.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is less than eight hours away. In that case, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Suddenly stopping this drug may cause blood pressure to rise dangerously high, possibly triggering angina or heart attack in patients with advanced heart disease. Slow reduction of the dose over a period of two to three weeks is advised, under careful supervision by your doctor.
No special problems are expected, although prolonged use may increase the chance of side effects. Regular visits to your doctor are needed to evaluate the drug's ongoing, long-term effectiveness.
Older persons with reduced kidney function may require a lower dosage.
Be cautious about any activity that requires acuity since this medication may cause drowsiness and impaired alertness.
Drink in careful moderation if at all. Alcohol may interact with the drug and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
This drug may harm the developing child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
This drug passes into breast milk; avoid breast feeding while taking it.
Not usually prescribed for infants or children.
Use of the drug should be considered but one element of a comprehensive therapeutic program that includes weight control, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a healthy low-salt, low-fat diet.
Breathing difficulties, slow heartbeat, sluggishness, extremely low blood pressure.
Call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking amphetamines, oral antidiabetic agents, asthma medication (such as aminophylline or theophylline), calcium channel blockers, clonidine, guanabenz, halothane, allergy shots, insulin, MAO inhibitors, reserpine, or other beta-blockers.
None expected.
Atenolol/chlorthalidone should be used with caution in people with diabetes, especially insulin-dependent diabetes, since atenolol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Consult your doctor if you have allergies or asthma, heart or blood vessel disease (including congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease), irregular (slow) heartbeat, hyperthyroidism, myasthenia gravis, psoriasis, respiratory problems such as bronchitis or emphysema, kidney or liver disease, or a history of mental depression.
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