This belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers.

Tenoretic can be used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain) and irregular heartbeat. It has varied effects in different parts of the body.

High Blood Pressure and Angina: Tenoretic works by slowing down the activity of the heart this decreases blood pressure and reduces the hearts need for oxygen which makes an angina attack less likely to occur.

Irregular Heartbeat: Normally the heartbeat is regulated by special tissues which conduct electricity. Some cases of irregular heartbeat are caused by these tissues conducting electricity too quickly. Tenoretic works by reducing over-activity in the conducting tissue.

Tenoretic is available in tablet, oral liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Antipressan; Atenix; Tenormin; T

Why is this drug prescribed?

This drug contains two active ingredients, atenolol and chlortalidone. Atenolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers, which block beta receptors in the heart, lungs and other organs of the body. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals as they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations. Blocking the beta receptors in the heart causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. This reduces the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body. This is just one of the ways in which beta blockers help to reduce blood pressure, however the whole mechanism is not fully understood. Chlortalidone is a type of drug called a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics act in the kidney to remove water from the blood into the urine, by causing an increase in the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium from the blood. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine. Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. The drop in fluid volume results in a drop in the pressure of the fluid within the blood vessels, which helps to lower high blood pressure. It also decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body. The combination of these two drugs is particularly useful in treating high blood pressure.

Treatments

* High blood pressure

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Rash * Slower than normal heart beat * Disturbed sleep * Changes in mood * Blood disorders * Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * High blood glucose level * High blood uric acid level which can cause kidney problems and gout * Cold extremities, eg hands and feet * Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways * A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness * Disturbances in the levels of chemical components in the blood * Deterioration of heart failure