Brand Names: Atacand HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and KAN de SAR tan)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Atacand HCT)?
• What happens if I overdose (Atacand HCT)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Candesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Atacand HCT 16 mg-12.5 mg

oblong, peach, imprinted with A CS, 162

Atacand HCT 32 mg-12.5 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with 322, A CJ

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effect, such as:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• fever;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain;
• back pain;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• headache;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• dry cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Atacand HCT (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan (Atacand HCT)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua, Ezide HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, and others), or if you are unable to urinate.

Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, low or high levels of potassium in your blood, asthma or allergies, high cholesterol or triglycerides, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and candesartan.