Atenolol; Chlorthalidone Tablets

What is this medication?

ATENOLOL; CHLORTHALIDONE (a TEN oh lole; klor THAL i done) treats high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels and helps your kidneys remove more fluid through the urine, which lowers blood pressure. It is a combination of a beta blocker and a diuretic.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tenoretic

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Gout
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to atenolol, chlorthalidone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Dofetilide
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Clonidine
• Diuretics
• Lithium
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies with lots of water. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or if you sweat a lot.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. This may increase your risk of side effects, such as chest pain and heart attack. If you no longer need to take this medication, your care team will lower the dose slowly over time to decrease the risk of side effects.

This medication may affect blood glucose levels. It can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar often while you are taking this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during the second and third trimesters. Discuss other treatment options with your care team. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gout—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, such as the big toe
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Vivid dreams or nightmares

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.