Betafix Plus
Generic Name
Atenolol 25 mg + Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| betafix plus 25 mg tablet | ৳ 6.00 | ৳ 60.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Betafix Plus 25 mg Tablet is a combination medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It contains Atenolol, a beta-blocker, and Chlorthalidone, a diuretic, which work together to effectively lower blood pressure and prevent complications like heart attack and stroke.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initially, one tablet (Atenolol 25 mg + Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg) once daily. Dosage may be increased to one tablet of Betafix Plus 50 mg (Atenolol 50 mg + Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg) once daily, if necessary, after several weeks. Max dose usually Atenolol 100 mg equivalent.
Elderly
Lower initial doses may be considered, starting with Atenolol 12.5 mg + Chlorthalidone 6.25 mg or 25 mg as directed by physician, due to reduced renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is necessary. For creatinine clearance 15-35 mL/min, maximum dose should not exceed Atenolol 50 mg (e.g., one tablet of Betafix Plus 50 mg). For creatinine clearance <15 mL/min, maximum dose should not exceed Atenolol 25 mg (e.g., one tablet of Betafix Plus 25 mg).
How to Take
Take orally, once daily, preferably in the morning with food. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Swallow whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Atenolol selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors, primarily in the heart, reducing heart rate and cardiac output. Chlorthalidone is a thiazide-like diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the renal tubules, leading to increased excretion of water, sodium, and chloride, thus reducing blood volume and peripheral resistance.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Atenolol: ~1 hour. Chlorthalidone: ~2-3 hours. Combined effect within 1-2 hours.
Excretion
Atenolol: Primarily excreted unchanged via kidneys. Chlorthalidone: Primarily excreted unchanged via kidneys (60-80%).
Half life
Atenolol: 6-7 hours. Chlorthalidone: 40-60 hours.
Absorption
Atenolol: Incomplete and variable absorption (approx. 50-60%) from the GI tract. Chlorthalidone: Readily absorbed, with bioavailability around 65%.
Metabolism
Atenolol: Minimal hepatic metabolism (less than 10%). Chlorthalidone: Minimal hepatic metabolism.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- •Cardiogenic shock
- •Uncontrolled heart failure
- •Second or third-degree heart block
- •Sick sinus syndrome
- •Severe peripheral arterial disease
- •Hypersensitivity to atenolol or chlorthalidone
- •Anuria (absence of urine production)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Diuretics can reduce renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity.
Digitalis glycosides
Increased risk of bradycardia and AV block.
NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen)
May reduce the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers and diuretics.
Insulin/Oral Hypoglycemics
May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia; dosage adjustments may be needed.
Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem)
Increased risk of bradycardia and AV block.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe bradycardia, hypotension, acute heart failure, bronchospasm, and electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypochloremia). Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage, activated charcoal, IV fluids, atropine for bradycardia, glucagon for severe hypotension/bradycardia, and diuretics/digitalis for heart failure. Electrolyte correction may be needed.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Both Atenolol and Chlorthalidone are excreted in breast milk. Not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential adverse effects on the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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