Tenoretic (Atenolol/Chlorthalidone)

What is Tenoretic?

Tenoretic is a combination of two drugs, atenolol and chlorthalidone. Atenolol belongs to a family of drugs known as beta-blockers and Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill).

What is Tenoretic used for?

Tenoretic is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. It is also used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does Tenoretic work?

The two ingredients of Tenoretic work in different manner. Atenolol works by keeping epinephrine from acting on the heart and blood vessels. This helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, and also puts less strain on the heart.

The other ingredient, Chlorthalidone, prevents the body from absorbing excess salt, which may cause fluid retention.  

The medicine helps the blood vessels to relax in order to facilitate easy blood flow.

How to use Tenoretic

Tenoretic should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Tenoretic is usually taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid taking this drug at bedtime as it may cause you to urinate more in the night. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Tenoretic.

Tenoretic warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to atenolol, chlorthalidone, or sulfa drugs. Also, Tenoretic is not to be used if you have trouble while urinating, slow heart rate, heart block or some other heart problem. 

Prior to taking Tenoretic, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, thyroid disorder, circulation problems, lupus, gout, angina pain, congestive heart failure, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), or psoriasis.

While using Tenoretic, avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated, especially in hot weather or during exercises.

Pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. Also intimate your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Lactating women should not use this drug unless prescribed by the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Tenoretic dose?

If you have missed your Tenoretic dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Tenoretic overdose?

If you have taken a Tenoretic overdose, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Tenoretic interactions

Before taking Tenoretic, consult your doctor if you take digoxin, indomethacin, isoproterenol, lithium, dobutamine, insulin and orally taken diabetes medication, medicines for blood pressure, diuretics (water pills), steroids, and heart rhythm medications.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medication without telling your doctor.

Tenoretic side effects

Tenoretic side effects include hives, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, pain in the arms or shoulders, uneven heartbeats, breathing trouble, shortness of breath, weight gain, feeling that you might lose consciousness, increased thirst, dry mouth, restlessness, confusion, drowsiness, decreased urination, loss of appetite, stomach ache, jaundice, dark colored urine and stools, hallucinations, bruising, bleeding; swelling of feet, ankles, face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Tenoretic, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, fatigue, dizziness, mild nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dry eyes, skin rash, decreased sex drive, impotence and difficulty having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Tenoretic.