Atenolol and Nifedipine

Betablocking Agent · Beta-blocker/Calcium antagonist

Indications

Hypertension, chronic stable angina pectoris.

Dosage

Hypertension: Adults: 1 cap once a day. If needed, dose can be taken twice a day. Elderly: Do not exceed more than 1 cap once a day. Children: Not recommended. Angina: Adults: 1 cap twice a day. If needed, nitrate therapy or additional nifedipine may be added. Elderly: Do not exceed more than 1 cap twice a day. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Headache, bradycardia, cold extremities, vasodilation, GI disturbances, constipation, fatigue, oedema, feeling unwell.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Marked renal impairment (i.e. CrCl <15 ml/min/1.73 m2; serum creatinine >600 µmol/l; GFR <30 ml/min). Severe hepatic impairment. Bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, metabolic acidosis, severe peripheral arterial circulatory disturbances, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block, sick sinus syndrome, untreated phaeochromocytoma, uncontrolled heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis. Within 1 month of acute coronary syndromes or MI. Lactose intolerance. Precautions: 1st degree heart block, diabetics subject to frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia, thyrotoxicosis, IHD, use of anaesthetic agents.

Interactions

Avoid; Ca channel blockers with negative inotropic effects (e.g. verapamil, diltiazem).

Advice to Patient

Swallow whole cap with water. Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment. Stop treatment and contact prescriber if you experience raised lumps on skin, or swelling of face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, or pain in chest.

Pharmacokinetics

ATENOLOL: Onset of action: Beta-blocking effect: Onset: Oral: =1 hr. Peak effect: Oral: 2-4 hrs. Duration: Normal renal function: Beta-blocking effect: 12-24 hrs. Antihypertensive effect: Oral: 24 hrs. Absorption: Oral: Rapid, incomplete (approx. 50%). Metabolism: Limited hepatic. Half-life elimination: Beta: Newborns (<24 hrs age) born to mothers receiving atenolol: Mean: 16 hrs, up to 35 hrs. Children and Adolescents 5-16 yrs: Mean: 4.6 hrs. Range: 3.5-7 hrs. Adults: Normal renal function: 6-7 hrs, prolonged with renal impairment. ESRD: 15-35 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (50%). Urine (40%). NIFEDIPINE: Onset of action: Immediate release: Approx. 20 min. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Cap: 40%-77%. ER: 65%-89% relative to immediate release caps. Half-life elimination: Adults: Healthy: 2-5 hrs. Cirrhosis: 7 hrs. Elderly: 7 hrs (extended release…

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.