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Why is this drug prescribed?

Tenoretic is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It combines a beta-blocker drug and a diuretic. Tenoretic can be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Atenolol, the beta blocker, decreases the force and rate of heart contractions. Chlorthalidone, the diuretic, helps your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps in lowering blood pressure.

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Most important fact about this drug

You must take Tenoretic regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Tenoretic; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Tenoretic does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

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How should you take this medication?

Tenoretic can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.

Try not to miss any doses. If this medication is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it's within 8 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store Tenoretic at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

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What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tenoretic.

More common side effects may include:
Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, slow heartbeat

Less common or rare side effects may include:
Blood disorders, constipation, cramping, decreased sexual ability, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness when getting up, drowsiness, excessive thirst, hair loss, headache, high blood sugar, hives, impotence, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low potassium leading to symptoms like dry mouth, muscle pain or cramps, muscle spasm, Peyronie's disease (deformity of the penis), poor circulation in fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon), psoriasis-like rash, rash, reddish or purplish spots on skin, restlessness, skin sensitivity to light, sluggishness or unresponsiveness, stomach irritation, sugar in the urine, tingling or pins and needles, tiredness, vertigo, visual disturbances, vomiting, weak or irregular heartbeat, weakness, worsening of psoriasis, yellow eyes and skin

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Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you have a slow heartbeat; a history of serious heart block (conduction disorder); inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system (cardiogenic shock); heart failure; or inability to urinate; or if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Tenoretic, its ingredients or similar drugs, or to other sulfonamide-derived drugs, you should not take this medication. It should also be avoided if you have an untreated adrenal tumor.

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Special warnings about this medication

If you have a history of congestive heart failure or certain other heart problems, Tenoretic should be used with caution.

Tenoretic should not be stopped suddenly. It can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. When stopping the drug, your physician will gradually reduce your dosage.

When taking Tenoretic, if you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies or other bronchial conditions, or liver or kidney disease, your doctor should monitor you more carefully.

Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Tenoretic. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow or make heartbeat irregularities worse.

This medication may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor.

Tenoretic can cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know how you respond to the drug.

Make sure the doctor knows that you are taking Tenoretic if you have a medical emergency, or plan to have surgery.

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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Tenoretic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tenoretic with the following:

Blood pressure medicines containing reserpine
Other blood pressure drugs
Clonidine (Catapres)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Insulin
Lithium (Eskalith)
Nasal decongestants
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Indocin and Motrin
Verapamil (Calan)

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Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

When taken during pregnancy, Tenoretic may cause harm to the developing baby. If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Tenoretic appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

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Recommended dosage

ADULTS

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Dosage is always individualized.

The usual starting dosage is 1 Tenoretic 50 tablet taken once a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage to 1 Tenoretic 100 tablet taken once a day. Your doctor may gradually add other high blood pressure medications.

Your doctor will adjust your dosage if your kidney function is impaired.

CHILDREN

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The safety and effectiveness of Tenoretic have not been established in children.

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Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

No specific information on Tenoretic is available, but common symptoms of overdose with the drug's atenolol component are:
Congestive heart failure, constricted airways, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, slow heartbeat, sluggishness, wheezing

Symptoms of overdose with the chlorthalidone component include:
Dizziness, nausea, weakness