What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses and cannot be anticipated. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- cold hands and feet
- depression
- diarrhea
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- dreaming
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- leg pain
- mental depression
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- tiredness
- very slow heart rate
- wheeziness
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin taking 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 take this medication.
Cholesterol levels: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking this medication.
Diabetes and low blood sugar: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking this medication. People with diabetes who take insulin or other medications that work by reducing the sugar in the blood should be cautious and monitor blood sugar carefully while taking this medication.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: The levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced by the use of this medication. The doctor will periodically check to see whether these are in balance, and a potassium supplement may be necessary when taking this drug.
Gout: High levels of uric acid may occur in the blood or gout may be brought on in certain people receiving this medication.
Heart failure: People with heart failure should be cautious while taking this medication as it may worsen this condition. In some cases, this medication may cause heart failure. Contact your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, or swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones): This medication can hide symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.
Kidney disease: If you have kidney disease you should use this medication with caution as you are at increased risk of experiencing side effects.
Liver function: If you have reduced liver function or progressive liver disease you should use this medication with caution.
Lung conditions: If you have chronic obstructive lung disease (e.g. emphysema, chronic bronchitis) you should use this medication with caution.
Pheochromocytoma: This medication should not be taken by anyone with untreated pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
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. This medication may make it more difficult to treat your allergic reaction with epinephrine.
Stopping medication: This medication should not be stopped suddenly, especially if you have angina. Stopping this medication suddenly may cause worsening angina or a heart attack.
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: This medication can activate or worsen systemic lupus erythematosus.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
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 this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Some seniors may need a lower starting dose of this medication. Talk with your doctor about the right dose for you.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between atenolol - chlorthalidone and any of the following:
- alcohol
- amiodarone
- anesthetic agents
- antidiabetic agents (e.g., insulin)
- asthma medications (e.g., theophylline)
- barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
- calcium channel blockers (e.g.,diltiazem, verapamil)
- clonidine
- digoxin
- disopyramide
- epinephrine
- flecainide
- indomethacin
- lidocaine
- lithium
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- mexiletene
- monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine)
- narcotic analgesics (e.g., morphine, codeine)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen)
- norepinephrine
- other beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol)
- procainamide
- propafenone
- quinidine
- reserpine
- tubocurarine
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If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you
take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.