Atacand

What is Candesartan?

Candesartan is a medicine mainly used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that prevents the blood vessels from narrowing which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It is prescribed sometimes in combination with other blood pressure medicines.
Candesartan is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Atacand and Candesar (made by Ranbaxy). This medicine may also be prescribed for conditions other than those listed here.

Important Information about Candesartan

Do not take Candesartan (Atacand, Candesar) if you have a known allergy to Candesartan. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, or if you are dehydrated.
In rare cases, Candesartan can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine.
Candesartan is a pregnancy category D drug. Do not take if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Candesartan can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in the second or third trimester. Use of an effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. It is not known whether Candesartan can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are breast feeding.
Candesartan may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

Before taking Candesartan

Before taking Candesartan (Atacand, Candesar), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.

How should I take Candesartan?

Take Candesartan strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Candesartan can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Candesartan, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Candesartan, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor Immetiately. Things and Activities to avoid while taking Candesartan

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Candesartan. This medicine can cause dizziness. To limit dizziness, do not get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Candesartan may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

Candesartan Side Effects

Some common side effects of Candesartan are dizziness, light headedness, swelling in ankles or feet, or flushing. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away. A serious side effect is unlikely. However, if you get any serious side effect like fast, irregular or rapid heartbeat, or fainting, or any other serious side effect, seek medical attention immediately.
The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Candesartan. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away.

Candesartan Dosing Information

Candesartan dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Many other drugs can interact with Candesartan. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially the following ones: other medicines that lower blood pressure, aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), heart disease medication, a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or a diuretic. These are not the only drugs that can interact with Candesartan. There may be others. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.