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Atenolol Chlorthal Side Effects

Atenolol chlorthal is actually two prescription medications -- atenolol and chlorthalidone -- combined into one pill and used to treat people with high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic that slows heart rate, in turn lowering blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that increases urine output, thus decreasing the amount of water in the body. The medication is taken in pill form, normally once daily. It is available as the brand-name drug Tenoretic.

  1. Non-Serious Side Effects

    • Some people taking atenolol and chlorthalidone may notice the following side effects: nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, tiredness, lack of energy and cold fingers and toes. None of these is cause for concern in itself. However, because of the potential for dizziness, drowsiness and lightheadedness, people taking the medication should use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring steady concentration until they know how it will affect them.

    Serious Side Effects

    • In rare cases, people taking atenolol and chlorthalidone may develop serious side effects that require medical treatment. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: decreased urine output; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting or dry mouth; a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst; jaundice; fainting; mental or mood changes; muscle pain, cramps or weakness; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness or weakness; sluggishness; restlessness; swelling of the hands or feet; blue palms, fingernails or toenails; severe joint pain, especially of the big toe; unusual bleeding or bruising; or difficulty breathing.

    Allergic Reactions

    • As with all medications, in rare cases people may develop an allergic reaction to atenolol chlorthal. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, throat and tongue. Because people suffering a severe allergic reaction can go into shock, prompt medical attention is necessary.

    Warnings

    • Atenolol chlorthal is not safe for some people. These include people with untreated adrenal gland tumors, gout, diabetes, liver problems, lupus or an overactive thyroid. People who have asthma; chronic bronchitis; emphysema; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a slow heartbeat; congestive heart failure; heart rhythm problems; narrowing of the blood vessels in the legs, arms, kidneys or stomach; kidney problems; low blood sodium or potassium; or a history of severe allergic reactions should speak with their doctor about their condition before taking atenolol and chlorthalidone. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and people scheduled to undergo surgery or receive anesthesia should also not take the medicine.

    Drug Interactions

    • As with many drugs, atenolol and chlorthalidone are known to interact with other medications. People taking the drug should not take antiarrhythmics, calcium-channel blockers, bupivacaine, flecainide, digitalis, mefloquine, ketanserin and mibefradil because of the possibility of life-threatening toxic effects on the heart. Taking it with clonidine can cause increases in blood pressure, and taking atenolol chlorthalidone with stimulants or indomethacin can reduce its effectiveness. Patients are more likely to suffer the side effects of atenolol chlorthalidone when also taking alpha-blockers, lithium, reserpine and diazoxide.

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