What is Atacand (Candesartan)?
Candesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Candesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Candesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 (not insulin-dependent) diabetes.
Candesartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Atacand (Candesartan)?
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Candesartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of candesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking candesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
In rare cases, 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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Atacand (Candesartan)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
Before using candesartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- congestive heart failure
- an electrolyte imbalance; or
- if you are dehydrated
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Candesartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use candesartan without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether candesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Atacand Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Atacand (Candesartan)?
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, 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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effect, such as:
- feeling like you might pass out
- chest pain
- swelling in your hands or feet; or
- slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling
Less serious side effects may include:
- runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
- back pain
- joint pain
- stomach pain, diarrhea
- headache, dizziness; or
- tired feeling
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Atacand Interactions
What other drugs affect Atacand (Candesartan)?
Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- a diuretic (water pill); or
- lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid, Lithonate)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with candesartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Atacand (Candesartan)?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of candesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking candesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Atacand Dosage
How should I take Atacand (Candesartan)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
You may take candesartan with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using candesartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store candesartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Atacand (Candesartan)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.
What happens if I miss a dose of Atacand (Candesartan)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com