Brand Names: Atacand
Generic Name: candesartan
- What is candesartan (Atacand)?
- What are the possible side effects of candesartan (Atacand)?
- What is the most important information I should know about candesartan (Atacand)?
- What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking candesartan (Atacand)?
- How should I take candesartan (Atacand)?
- What happens if I miss a dose (Atacand)?
- What happens if I overdose (Atacand)?
- What should I avoid while taking candesartan (Atacand)?
- What other drugs will affect candesartan (Atacand)?
- Where can I get more information (Atacand)?
What is candesartan (Atacand)?
Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications.
Candesartan is also used in adults with certain types of heart failure, to reduce serious complications or death due to heart damage.
Candesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of candesartan (Atacand)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- fast or slow heartbeats;
- unusual muscle pain or weakness;
- high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
- kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, back pain;
- dizziness; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
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.
What is the most important information I should know about candesartan (Atacand)?
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using candesartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use candesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking candesartan (Atacand)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
If you have diabetes, do not use candesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking candesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
- heart problems;
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- if you are dehydrated.
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Candesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take candesartan (Atacand)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take candesartan with or without food.
Tell the doctor if a child taking this medicine has trouble swallowing the tablet.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent medical tests.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using candesartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using candesartan as directed, and talk with your doctor if your blood pressure does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
QUESTION
In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See AnswerWhat happens if I miss a dose (Atacand)?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose (Atacand)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking candesartan (Atacand)?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect candesartan (Atacand)?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- other blood pressure medicines;
- a diuretic or "water pill";
- lithium; or
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect candesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information (Atacand)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about candesartan.
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