Atenolol + Nifedipine
Introduction To Atenolol + Nifedipine
Atenolol + Nifedipine is a medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). This combination medicine controls blood pressure when a single medication is not effective. By lowering the blood pressure, it helps in preventing future heart attack and stroke.
You can take Atenolol + Nifedipine at any time of day, on empty stomach, but it is best to take it at the same time each day. Keep taking it for as long as advised by your doctor. Even if you feel well, do not stop this medicine on your own because high blood pressure often has no symptoms. If you stop taking it, your condition may get worse. Keeping active with regular exercise, reducing your weight and eating a healthy diet will also help control your blood pressure. Follow your doctor's advice while taking this medicine.
It may cause side effects like fatigue, ankle swelling, headache, slow heart rate, and nausea. It may also cause dizziness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the swelling, raise your legs while sitting down. You may be asked for regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolytes level while on the treatment.
Before taking it, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor for advice before taking this medicine. You also need to tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking especially those used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Uses of Atenolol + Nifedipine
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Benefits of Atenolol + Nifedipine
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Atenolol + Nifedipine is a combination medicine that contains two active ingredients,
Nifedipine and Atenolol. Both of the medicines in this combination work to
lower blood pressure but in different ways. Together they help to relax blood
vessels, reduce heart rate and make it easier for your heart to pump blood
around your body. This lowers blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart
attack, stroke or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly as
prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from
taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well. You
should also make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and
staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine.
Side effects of Atenolol + Nifedipine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Selca
- Ankle swelling
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Palpitations
- Cold extremities
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Edema (swelling)
- Slow heart rate
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Constipation
How to use Atenolol + Nifedipine
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Atenolol + Nifedipine is to be taken empty stomach.
How Atenolol + Nifedipine works
Atenolol + Nifedipine is a combination of two medicines: Atenolol and nifedipine which lower blood pressure effectively. Atenolol is a beta blocker that works specifically on the heart to slow down the heart rate while nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which works by relaxing blood vessels. Together, they make the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.
Quick tips
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You have been prescribed Atenolol + Nifedipine for the treatment of high blood pressure.
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Lowering blood pressure reduces chance of future heart attack & strokes.
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It may cause dizziness. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
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Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it can cause sudden increase in your blood pressure.
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Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atenolol + Nifedipine if I’m pregnant?
Atenolol + Nifedipine is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atenolol + Nifedipine if I’m breastfeeding?
Atenolol + Nifedipine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Atenolol + Nifedipine safe?
Atenolol + Nifedipine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Atenolol + Nifedipine?
Atenolol + Nifedipine may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Atenolol + Nifedipine may make you feel dizzy, faint, extremely tired or have visual disturbances. This may affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Atenolol + Nifedipine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Atenolol + Nifedipine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Atenolol + Nifedipine may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended and can help in better dose adjustment.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Atenolol + Nifedipine if I have/had liver diseases?
Atenolol + Nifedipine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Atenolol + Nifedipine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
References
MedlinePlus. Nifedipine. [Accessed 04 Feb. 2019] (online) Available from:
Nifedipine. New York, New York: Pfizer Labs; 2013. [Accessed 11 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
[Drugs.com. Atenolol Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Accessed 11 Apr. 2019 (online) Available from:
ScienceDirect. Nitrendipine. [Accessed 11 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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