CANDESARTAN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atacand

GENERIC NAME(S): CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL

 

Description: Candesartan inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors in many tissues (e.g. vascular smooth muscles, adrenal gland) which stops vasoconstriction and releases aldosterone.

Candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), treats high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication is also used to treat heart failure and help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

How to use candesartan

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking candesartan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take up to 6 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persists or worsens:

  • dizziness
  • tiredness
  • lightheadedness
  • runny nose
  • sore throat

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • fainting
  • unusual change in the amount of urine
  • symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

  • Allergic reaction to this medication.
  • Patients with medical history of:
    • liver disease
    • high blood levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
    • loss of too much body water and/or minerals (dehydration)
  • Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
  • May increase your potassium levels.
  • Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
  • Not recommended for use in children younger than 1 year.
  • Older adults may be more sensitive to dizziness, increases in potassium level, and unusual change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).
  • This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

  • Aliskiren
  • Lithium
  • drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril,birth control pills containing drospirenone)

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, potassium levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands:

Available brands

  • Atasart [ Getz Pharma ]
  • Blopress [ Takeda ]
  • Candez [ LR Imperial ]
  • Casartan [ Aju Pharm ]

Also marketed as

  • Candelong [ Brown & Burk Phils ]
  • Sartan-8/Sartan-16 [ Stallion Labs

Related Articles

ULTRAVIST

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultravist is used in the following conditions: Radiographic Imaging: Iopromide injection is utilized to enhance the [...]

ULTRAMOX

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultramox is used in the following conditions: Respiratory Infections: Amoxicillin is often used to treat respiratory [...]

ULTRALIV

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultraliv is used in the following conditions: Carnitine Orotate: Carnitine orotate is a combination of L-carnitine [...]