Sign inBefore taking atenolol with nifedipine
Before taking atenolol with nifedipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
- If you have asthma or breathing difficulties.
- If you have suffered from a heart attack less than one month ago or have other heart problems.
- If you have diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
- If you have psoriasis (a skin disorder).
- If you have severe allergic reactions.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
- If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take atenolol with nifedipine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take these capsules exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow them whole (not sucked or chewed) with a drink of water. They are usually taken once or twice daily.
- Try to take atenolol with nifedipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be checked.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as stopping suddenly may cause problems.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice as this can increase the amount of nifedipine in your blood.
- It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
- If you have diabetes check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this.
Can atenolol with nifedipine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Flushing, palpitations | These usually only occur for a few weeks after starting treatment and then get better. If either becomes troublesome, let your doctor know |
| Headache | If this happens a suitable painkiller may be recommended by your pharmacist. If it continues or becomes a problem then speak with your doctor |
| Ankle swelling | Raise your legs when sitting as often as possible. Consult your doctor if this continues or becomes a problem |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach upset | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Light-headedness or fainting (especially when getting up from a sitting or lying down position) | Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor |
| Dizziness, tiredness, blurred sight | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Cold hands or toes, sexual problems, shortness of breath | Speak with your doctor if any of these are troublesome |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store atenolol with nifedipine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Tenif® 50 mg/20 mg Capsules, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2009, accessed January 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Beta-Adalat®, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed January 2010.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).