What is this medication for?
This is a combination product that contains two medications, atenolol and chlorthalidone. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by decreasing the workload of the heart. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill) that helps to eliminate excess salt and water from the body.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak
to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone by Mutual Pharm is available as:
- tablets
- 100 mg atenolol /25 mg chlorthalidone
- 50 mg atenolol /25 mg chlorthalidone
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The eventual dose of atenolol - chlorthalidone is determined by treating with each of these medications separately (atenolol and chlorthalidone) and finding the best daily dose for each. The combination medication may then be used at the appropriate dose.
The recommended dose of atenolol - chlorthalidone ranges from 1 tablet of the atenolol 50 mg - chlorthalidone 25 mg combination daily to 1 tablet of the atenolol 100 mg - chlorthalidone 25 mg combination daily. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled after use of the higher strength medication, your doctor may prescribe an additional blood pressure lowering medication that works in a different way.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping the medication suddenly after you have been taking it for a while may cause unpleasant and potentially harmful effects.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to atenolol, chlorthalidone, or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to sulfa medications (e.g. sulfamethoxazole)
- are unable to produce urine
- have an extremely slow heart rate
- have greater than first degree heart block
- have overt heart failure
- have severe heart damage