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Atenolol (Chlorthalidone)

 

Atenolol / Chlorthalidone (generic Tenormin) Review

brand name: Tenormin
generic name: Atenolol

What are atenolol tablets?

ATENOLOL (Tenormin®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Atenolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). Atenolol also relieves chest pain (angina), and can be helpful after a heart attack. Sometimes atenolol is used to help prevent migraine headaches. Generic atenolol tablets are available.

Atenolol (Tenormin) is used for:

Decreasing death due to heart problems after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Atenolol (Tenormin) is a beta-blocker. Exactly how Atenolol (Chlorthalidone) works to decrease heart problems after a heart attack is not known.

Most important fact about Tenormin

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Tenormin regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Tenormin; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Tenormin does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Use with caution in

• Thyrotoxicosis
  
  
• Psoriasis
  
  
• Narrowing of arteries in the extremities (peripheral arterial disease)
  
  
• Kidney disease
  
  
• Hyperthyroidism
  
  
• History of allergies
  
  
• Heart failure
  
  
• Gout
  
  
• Diabetes
  
  
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  
  
• Asthma
  
  
• Angina not well controlled by medical treatment (unstable angina)
  
  

How should I take this medicine?

Take Atenolol (Tenormin) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Atenolol (Chlorthalidone) may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Do NOT use Atenolol (Tenormin) if:

• you are taking mibefradil
• you have an untreated adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
• you have a very slow heartbeat, shock caused by serious heart problems, uncontrolled heart failure, heart block, or low blood pressure after a heart attack
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Atenolol (Tenormin)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.