Tenoretic 50

Atenolol is a beta-blocker. Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill).

Tenoretic 50 is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Tenoretic 50 may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly and you may need additional medical tests.

Drink plenty of water every day while taking Tenoretic 50.

Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often does not have symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Your condition may require treatment with a combination of medications. Use all medications as your doctor directs. Read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's guidance.

If you need surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you are taking Tenoretic 50. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short period.

This medicine can affect the results of some medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are taking Tenoretic 50.

You should not stop taking Tenoretic 50 abruptly. Stopping suddenly may worsen your condition.

Certain factors can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Call your doctor if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.

If you do stop taking this medicine, limit your physical activity to avoid heart problems.

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

You should not use Tenoretic 50 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.

Do not use Tenoretic 50 if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to atenolol or chlorthalidone, or if you have:

• a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree);
• very slow heartbeats;
• heart failure;
• if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• congestive heart failure;
• coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
• angina (chest pain);
• asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disorder;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid or parathyroid disorder;
• liver or kidney disease;
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• gout;
• lupus;
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;
• psoriasis;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood); or
• allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Taking Tenoretic 50 during the second or third trimester of pregnancy may cause low birth weight, slow heartbeats, or low blood sugar in the newborn.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice symptoms such as weakness, unusual hunger, fussiness, or sweating in the nursing baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tenoretic 50 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• new or worsening chest pain;
• slow or uneven heartbeats;
• feeling light-headed, like you might faint;
• shortness of breath (even with mild activity), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• a cold feeling in your hands and feet;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low sodium level -- headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or
• low potassium level -- leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp.

Common side effects of Tenoretic 50 may include:

• slow heartbeats;
• feeling weak or tired;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• numbness or tingling;
• pale skin, bruising or bleeding;
• depression; or
• upset stomach, loss of appetite, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, extreme weakness, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeats, swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Tenoretic 50, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;
• indomethacin;
• insulin;
• lithium;
• any other beta-blocker--bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol, and others; or
• heart or blood pressure medication--amiodarone, clonidine, diltiazem, disopyramide, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, verapamil, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Tenoretic 50. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.