Atacand

This page contains drug information on Atacand.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Atacand
the possible side effects of Atacand
what happens if you miss a dose of Atacand
what happens if you overdose with Atacand
the most important information about Atacand
how to use Atacand
other drugs that may affect Atacand
what to avoid while using Atacand
 
Generic Name: candesartan (can deh SAR tan)
Brand Names: Atacand
 
What is the most important information I should know about candesartan?
 •  Do not take candesartan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, candesartan can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rarely, candesartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
 •  Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking candesartan.

What is candesartan?
 •  Candesartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Candesartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).
 •  Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.
 •  Candesartan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take candesartan?
 •  Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you
      · have kidney disease
      · have liver disease or
      · are taking potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
 •  You may not be able to take candesartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  Candesartan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, candesartan can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take candesartan if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
 •  It is not known whether candesartan passes into breast milk. Do not take candesartan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take candesartan?
 •  Take candesartan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
 •  Candesartan can be taken with or without food.
 •  Do not stop taking candesartan without first talking to your doctor. Stopping the medication may cause a return of your symptoms.
 •  Store candesartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a candesartan overdose are not well known but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking candesartan?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rarely, candesartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
 •  Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking candesartan.
 •  Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Candesartan can affect potassium levels in the body.

What are the possible side effects of candesartan?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking candesartan and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment.
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives) or
      · little or no urine.
 •  Other side effects are less serious. Continue to take candesartan and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · headache,
      · dizziness,
      · fatigue,
      · diarrhea or upset stomach,
      · muscle or joint pain or cramps,
      · insomnia, or
      · congestion or cough.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect candesartan?
 •  Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you
      · take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others
      · take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide) or
      · use a salt substitute.
 •  Candesartan can affect potassium levels in the body. You may not be able to take candesartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the products listed above.
 •  Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Candesartan may cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with candesartan or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.