Atenolol & Nifedipine

About Atenolol & Nifedipine

This is a combination medicine which contains Atenolol and Nifedipine.

Atenolol belongs to the group of medicines known as Beta-blockers and Nifedipine belongs to the group of medicines known as Calcium Channel Blockers.

In combination the two medicines help to treat high blood pressure and angina by relaxing the blood vessels. This allows blood and oxygen to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and reducing the risk of angina occurring.

This preparation is available in modified release capsule form, which means the medicine is released slowly over the day to give an even effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Beta-adalat; Tenif. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Atenolol & Nifedipine

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from low blood pressure, poor circulation or a slow or irregular heartbeat.
• if you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties
• if you have suffered a heart attack within the last month
• if you suffer from porphyria
• if you suffer from diabetes
• if you are about to have an operation
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Atenolol & Nifedipine

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Swallow each dose whole (not chewed or crushed).
• Try to take your medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this medicine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking this medicine.
• It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
• IMPORTANT: Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medicine. Nifedipine interacts with grapefruit juice.
• This medicine may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
• This medicine may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes and bran and by drinking plenty of water.

Can Atenolol & Nifedipine cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects mentioned below continue or become troublesome:

Tiredness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes and nose), disturbed sleep, nightmares, shortness of breath, upset tummy, skin rashes, dry eyes, headaches, flushing, swollen feet and ankles, feeling sick, diarrhoea, a need to urinate more often, eye pain, problems with eye sight, swollen gums, pins and needles, muscle pain, shakiness, sexual problems, enlargement of breasts (in both men and women), depression, itching, constipation.

If you experience any other worrying side effects which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Atenolol & Nifedipine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 04/02/2005