atenolol + chlortalidone at a glance
Medicine class
Beta-1-selective blocker with a thiazide-like diuretic
Licensed use
Management of high blood pressure
How it is taken
Swallow the tablet with water and follow the dispensing label
Important precaution
Do not stop abruptly without prescriber advice, particularly with ischaemic heart disease
What is atenolol + chlortalidone used for?
The selected UK product has one licensed indication.
Management of hypertension; it is described as particularly suited to older patients.
How does atenolol + chlortalidone work?
Atenolol blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, slowing it and reducing its workload. Chlortalidone increases kidney excretion of sodium and water, with some potassium loss. Together, these actions lower blood pressure.
atenolol + chlortalidone preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg + 12.5 mg, 100 mg + 25 mg
How to take atenolol + chlortalidone
Follow the dispensing label and swallow the film-coated tablet with water. Do not stop without speaking to the prescriber because gradual withdrawal may be required.
Check the pack and label to ensure you have the intended fixed-strength product.
Tell medical staff and the anaesthetist before an operation.
If you feel dizzy or tired, avoid driving or using machinery.
atenolol + chlortalidone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cold hands or feet
- Slower pulse
- Tiredness
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Changes in blood glucose, sodium, potassium or uric acid
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergy with swelling or breathing difficulty
- Wheezing or marked shortness of breath
- Fainting or symptomatic slow heartbeat
- Sudden reduced vision or eye pain
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Unexplained bruising or frequent infections
- Severe muscle weakness, twitching or an abnormal heartbeat, which can indicate electrolyte disturbance
atenolol + chlortalidone in pregnancy
The selected fixed combination is contraindicated during pregnancy. Atenolol alone may sometimes be used after specialist review. Contact the prescriber promptly when planning pregnancy or after discovering a pregnancy; do not stop treatment abruptly without advice.
atenolol + chlortalidone while breastfeeding
The selected fixed combination is contraindicated while breastfeeding. Atenolol alone can enter breast milk in substantial and variable amounts, so a prescriber should assess alternatives and the needs of the parent and baby.
atenolol + chlortalidone interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy-bought and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Verapamil or diltiazem
Can markedly increase the risk of slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, conduction problems and heart failure.
Amiodarone, disopyramide or digoxin
May add to slowed cardiac conduction or reduced cardiac function.
Clonidine
Incorrect withdrawal can cause rebound hypertension; changes require medical supervision.
Common questions about atenolol + chlortalidone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How is this different from atenolol alone?
It adds chlortalidone, a diuretic that increases sodium and water excretion, to atenolol’s beta-blocking action.
Why are blood tests needed?
Chlortalidone can alter sodium, potassium, glucose and uric-acid levels, while kidney function affects the combination’s suitability.
Can it cause a slow heartbeat?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.