Atenolol with diuretics

About atenolol with diuretics

Atenolol with diuretics is a combination preparation of atenolol, which is a beta-blocker, with one or more diuretics or 'water tablets'. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Atenolol works by blocking chemical messages to the heart which slows down the activity of the heart, decreasing blood pressure.

The diuretic removes excess water from the body by increasing how much and how often you pass water. This removal of fluid reduces the blood pressure.

Before taking atenolol with diuretics

Before taking atenolol with diuretics 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 suffer from gout or hyperuricaemia (high blood uric acid).
• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• If you have Addison's disease or another adrenal gland disorder.
• If you have been told you have low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood, or high levels of calcium.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you have diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
• If you have psoriasis (a skin disorder).
• If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
• If you know you have Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain caused by spasms of the heart's blood vessels).
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
• If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) or heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).
• 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 diuretics

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once-daily in a morning.
• Try to take atenolol with diuretics at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the afternoon, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times the next day. 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.
• Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly may cause problems.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
• Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated leaving you feeling thirsty, your mouth dry, and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
• If you have diabetes check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Speak to your doctor or diabetic clinic if you notice any changes.
• 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, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can atenolol with diuretics 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.

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 diuretics

• 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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Tenoret® 50, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2008, accessed January 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Tenoretic®, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 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).