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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Use Cartia XT Along With Atenolol?

I was taking 100mg of Atenolol and 5mg of Norvasc. Cardiologist increased Norvasc to 10 mg which caused significant edema. My PCP added 12.5mg HCTZ which didn t help much with swelling so he dc d Norvasc and prescribed 100mg of Cartia XT along with Atenolol. He told me to watch pulse and be sure it doesn t stay below 60. Is this a safe combo?
Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

One of the effects of Atenolol (which is a class of medications called Beta-Blockers) is its ability to lower heart rate (pulse). Norvasc and Cartia XT are both in the general class of medications called calcium channel blockers but each has different effects. Norvasc mainly just lowers blood pressure but does not effect the heart rate while Cartia XT lower blood pressure and lowers the heart rate.

Therefore, combining Atenolol and Cartia XT is generally not recommended, as it can significantly lower the heart rate to concerning levels. Cardiologists still do combine these medications when absolutely necessary but only under their strict observation. Often times they will prefer to push the Atenolol to a higher dose to start a different agent all together rather than add another medication that lower heart rate even further.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Is It Safe To Use Cartia XT Along With Atenolol?

Hello, One of the effects of Atenolol (which is a class of medications called Beta-Blockers) is its ability to lower heart rate (pulse). Norvasc and Cartia XT are both in the general class of medications called calcium channel blockers but each has different effects. Norvasc mainly just lowers blood pressure but does not effect the heart rate while Cartia XT lower blood pressure and lowers the heart rate. Therefore, combining Atenolol and Cartia XT is generally not recommended, as it can significantly lower the heart rate to concerning levels. Cardiologists still do combine these medications when absolutely necessary but only under their strict observation. Often times they will prefer to push the Atenolol to a higher dose to start a different agent all together rather than add another medication that lower heart rate even further. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist