Teva-Atenolol/Chlorthalidone

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Breathing conditions: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems should avoid taking beta-blockers such as atenolol, as these medications can cause breathing difficulty. Low doses of atenolol may be taken by people with asthma who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, alternative treatment but they should be monitored by their doctor. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Cholesterol levels: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking chlorthalidone. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to have your cholesterol levels tested.

Diabetes: Chlorthalidone may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking atenolol. Dose adjustment of diabetes medications, including insulin, may be required. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that work by affecting the sugar in the blood, you should monitor your blood sugar carefully while taking this medication.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Dizziness or fatigue may occur when starting treatment with this medication. This may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you determine how this medication affects you.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: The levels of electrolytes in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced by the use of chlorthalidone. If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking this medication. A potassium supplement may be necessary when taking this medication.

Gout: High levels of uric acid may occur in the blood or gout may be brought on in certain people receiving chlorthalidone. If you develop painful, warm and swollen joints or difficulty with urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

History of heart failure: Beta-blockers, such as atenolol, can worsen existing heart failure. It is important to take atenolol – chlorthalidone exactly as prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chance of this happening. If you have a history of heart failure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones): People with hyperthyroidism should be monitored by their doctor while taking this medication, as it may reduce the symptoms of this condition, giving a false impression of improvement.

Kidney disease: Chlorthalidone may contribute to decreased kidney function, particularly if you already have reduced kidney function. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. This medication is not recommended for people with severe liver impairment.

This medication may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Prinzmetal’s angina: Atenolol may increase the number and duration of angina attacks in people with Prinzmetal’s angina. If you have this condition, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe), discuss with your doctor about what to do if you have an allergic reaction. Atenolol, like other beta-blockers, may make it more difficult to treat your allergic reaction with epinephrine.

Stopping the medication: This medication should not be stopped suddenly. People with heart disease who stop taking this medication abruptly may experience severe effects, such as severe worsening of angina, heart attack, or abnormal heart rhythms. When this medication needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor.

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking a medication that contains atenolol.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus): People with systemic lupus erythematosus should be monitored by their doctor while taking chlorthalidone, as it may worsen this condition.

Pregnancy: This medication can cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother while she is pregnant. It should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Atenolol and chlorthalidone both pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. It is not recommended for use by children.