Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Atacand

Generic Name: candesartan (Pronunciation: kan de SAR tan)

• 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?

What is candesartan (Atacand)?

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.

Atacand 16 mg

round, pink, imprinted with 016, ACH

Atacand 32 mg

round, pink, imprinted with A CL, 032

Atacand 4 mg

round, white, imprinted with A CF, 004

Atacand 8 mg

round, pink, imprinted with A CG, 008

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

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.

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

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.