Tenoretic (Atenolol and Chlorthalidone Tablets)

Tenoretic (Atenolol and Chlorthalidone Tablets) work

Tenoretic tablets contain two active ingredients, atenolol, which is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker and chlortalidone, which is a type of medicine called a thiazide diuretic. This combination of medicines is sometimes called co-tenidone and is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

Atenolol blocks beta receptors that are found in the heart. This reduces the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the heart, causing it to beat more slowly and with less force. In turn, this reduces the pressure at which the blood is pumped out of the heart and around the body, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Atenolol can therefore be used to lower high blood pressure.

Chlortalidone works by causing the kidneys to increase the amount of salts such as potassium and sodium that are filtered out of the blood and into the urine. When these salts are filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, they draw water alongside them. As diuretics increase the removal of salts from the blood, they also cause more water to be drawn out of the blood and into the urine.

Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This subsequently decreases the pressure within the blood vessels. Diuretics such as chlortalidone can therefore be used to lower high blood pressure.

Atenolol and chlortalidone have a combined effect on lowering blood pressure.