Atacand (Candesartan)

What is Atacand?

Atacand (candesartan) belongs to a family of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

What is Atacand used for?

Atacand is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. This further prevents heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems. The medicine is also used to treat congestive heart failure. Atacand is sometimes given with other blood pressure medicines.

How does Atacand work?

Atacand works by relaxing blood vessels and causing them to widen. This lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

How to use Atacand

Atacand should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once or twice daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Atacand.

Atacand warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to candesartan. 

Prior to taking Atacand, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, electrolyte imbalance, or if you are dehydrated.

Do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can reduce your blood pressure and may increase some side effects of Atacand. While taking this medicine, do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor.

If you need to undergo a surgery, tell your doctor in advance about the use of Atacand. You may need to stop taking the medicine temporarily.

Pregnant women should not use this drug as it can cause harm (or even death) to an unborn child. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. While taking this medicine, use an effective form of birth control treatment so as to avoid pregnancy. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and could ha

What do I do if I have missed a Atacand dose?

If you have missed your Atacand dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Atacand overdose?

If you have taken an Atacand overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Atacand interactions

Before taking Atacand, consult your doctor if you take lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate), diuretics (water pills), cough and cold medications, diet aids, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Atacand side effects

Atacand side effects include hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat, hands or feet, and other allergic reactions.

Fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, dark colored urine, weakness, tenderness, slow heart rate, weak pulse, chest pain, tingly feeling, and feeling that you might lose consciousness are also side effects from Atacand. If you get any of these side effects after using Atacand, contact your doctor right away.

Stuffy or runny nose, back ache, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, stomach ache, joint pain, headache, dizziness or tired feeling are some less serious side effects of Atacand.