What is atenolol and chlorthalidone?
Atenolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. 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.
The combination of atenolol and chlorthalidone is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Atenolol and chlorthalidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about atenolol and chlorthalidone?
Do not use atenolol and chlorthalidone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
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, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others).
Before you take atenolol and chlorthalidone, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), liver or kidney disease, a lung disorder, diabetes, gout, lupus, a thyroid disorder, adrenal gland tumor, psoriasis, or circulation problems.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using atenolol and chlorthalidone.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
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.
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 medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atenolol and chlorthalidone?
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, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others).
To make sure you can safely take atenolol and chlorthalidone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
congestive heart failure;
circulation problems;
angina (chest pain);
liver or kidney disease;
asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disorder;
diabetes;
gout;
lupus;
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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.