Atenolol and Nifedipine are combined together in this medicine.
Atenolol + Nifedipine is used in the management of high blood pressure and chest pain.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
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.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
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 schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to ake your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- abnormal heart rhythm
- heart failure
- heart block
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal glands)
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. narrowing of the heart valve, enlarged heart
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- thyroid disorder
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- blood circulation disorder
- lung disease e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- stomach disease e.g. bowel obstruction or inflammation
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Atenolol + Nifedipine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) 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 kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Atenolol + Nifedipine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, flushing, nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, tiredness, nervousness, mood changes, muscle cramps, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, feeling unwell, gum swelling, and coldness of fingers or toes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- irregular heartbeat
- worsening of chest pain
- rashes
- breathlessness
- swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, ankles, feet or hand
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:
- medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease e.g. verapamil, diltiazem, disopyramide, amiodarone, clonidine, nifedipine, digoxin
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. indometacin, ibuprofen
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, gliclazide, insulin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat tuberculosis or TB)
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine, nefazodone
- stomach medicine e.g. cimetidine, cisapride
- medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
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 and grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.