candesartan – oral, Atacand
WARNING: This drug can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of birth control. If you are planning pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
USES: Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels. It is also used to treat heart failure. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 1 year due to increased risk of side effects.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug not listed in the approved professional labeling but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. It may also be used to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start taking candesartan. 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 at the same time(s) each day. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. It may take up to 6 weeks before you get the full benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, unusual change in urine, symptoms of a high potassium blood level. A serious allergic reaction is rare. Get medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, loss of body water and/or minerals. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. This product may increase potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This medication is not recommended during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG 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. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, lithium, drugs that may increase potassium levels, birth control pills containing drospirenone. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase blood pressure or worsen heart failure. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Monitor your own blood pressure at home and share the results with your doctor.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
