About atenolol with nifedipine

These capsules contain two ingredients, atenolol and nifedipine. They are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen.

Atenolol works by blocking chemical messages to the heart. This slows down the activity of the heart, decreasing blood pressure and reducing the heart's need for oxygen. This makes angina attacks less likely to occur.

Nifedipine works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and improving the efficiency of the heart.

Before taking atenolol with nifedipine

Before taking atenolol with nifedipine 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 have suffered from a heart attack less than one month ago or have other heart problems.
• If you have diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
• If you have psoriasis (a skin disorder).
• If you have severe allergic reactions.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
• 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 nifedipine

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take these capsules exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow them whole (not sucked or chewed) with a drink of water. They are usually taken once or twice daily.
• Try to take atenolol with nifedipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. 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.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as stopping suddenly may cause problems.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice as this can increase the amount of nifedipine in your blood.
• It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
• If you have diabetes check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
• 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 (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this.

Can atenolol with nifedipine 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 nifedipine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.