Atenolol and Nifedipine are combined in this medicine.
This medicine helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Atenolol + Nifedipine may also be used to treat other heart diseases such as angina (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen blood supply).
Take Atenolol + Nifedipine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Atenolol + Nifedipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
- uncontrolled heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- recent acute coronary syndrome (chest pain that occurs randomly or unexpectedly)
- recent heart attack
- slow heartbeat
- low blood pressure
- 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block
- metabolic acidosis (a condition when there is too much acid in the blood)
- severe narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs
- sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker)
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Atenolol + Nifedipine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Atenolol + Nifedipine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Atenolol + Nifedipine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. poor heart function
- Prinzmetal's angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
- bronchospasm (breathing distress caused by tightening and narrowing of the airways) or other lung problems
- diabetes
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- history of allergic reaction to allergens
- thyroid disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Atenolol + Nifedipine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have a laboratory test (e.g. certain urine test) or an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your heart rate or blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your heart rate or blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of heart failure, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, and breathing distress (particularly if you have lung problems) may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Atenolol + Nifedipine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, mood changes, and flushing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales
- slow heartbeat
- signs and symptoms of heart block e.g. lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, slow or irregular heartbeat
- signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) e.g. fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, tremors, irritability, restlessness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, reserpine
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. indometacin
- digoxin (medicine for heart failure)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Atenolol + Nifedipine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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