Atenidone (Atenolol/Chlorthalidone) 50/25mg

Antihypertensive; Beta-Blocker; Beta 1 Specific; Thiazide-Related Diuretic

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Beta 1 receptor is activated by adrenaline and is involved with cardiac output by increasing the volume of each pump as well as increasing the heart rate.  Atenolol works by blocking this receptor and has the reverse effect thereby reducing heart rate and stroke volume.

Chlorthalidone inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule resulting in a diuretic effect.  Sulfonamide derived agent.

Atenolol+Chlorthalidone, Tenoretic is officially indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Before starting Atenolol make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have a low resting heart rate, asthma or other bronchospastic disease, cardiac conduction abnormalities, heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, peripheral vascular disease, hyperthyroidism, or if pregnant/breastfeeding

Before starting Chlorthalidone make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, liver disease, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hyperuricemia (gout), systemic lupus erythematous, or parathyroid disease.

Oral: Initial: Atenolol 50 mg/chlorthalidone 25 mg once daily; if optimal blood pressure response not achieved, may increase to atenolol 100 mg/chlorthalidone 25 mg once daily.

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature. Preferably taken in the morning to avoid nocturia due to diuretic effect.

You Need to Avoid: Careful standing up too quickly as you may get dizzy.
Do not stop this medication abruptly to avoid rebound tachycardia, hypertension and in severe cases angina, heart attack, or arrhythmia.

Atenolol: Hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, bradycardia (low heart rate), ventricular tachycardia, cold extremities

Chlorthalidone: Hypotension, dizziness, hypokalemia (low potassium), worsening of hyperuricemia (can result in gout attacks), skin photosensitivity, hypochloremia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, anorexia, nausea, vertigo, constipation, rash, urticaria

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only common ones

1. Why am I so tired since starting this medication?
   It is a common side effect that is not harmful and after 2 weeks or so it should subside as it adjusts to the medication.  It is important to try and give the medication at least 2 weeks if fatigue is an issue as it usually will resolve.  If side effects are intolerable speak to your physician, do not discontinue medication without their consent as this can be a vital medication to take for many conditions.
2. Why does exercise exhaust me so much more since starting this medication?
   Blocking cardiac output can lower your exercise tolerance as the heart cannot pump as hard or fast as it used to in response to exercise.  This is normal and helps protect the heart from overworking itself in many cardiac conditions.  If using for a non cardiac condition it is then a side effect that if intolerable should be discussed with your physician.
3. What do I do if I show signs of low potassium levels (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, tremor, muscle cramps, constipation)?
   Seek immediate medical attention, it is a rare but potentially serious side effect