Candesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
kan-de-SAR-tan sye-LEX-e-til, hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, candesartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Some foods and medicines can affect how candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Aliskiren, cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, or lithium Other blood pressure medicine, including ACE inhibitors Insulin or diabetes medicine NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use pain relievers or sleeping pills.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drug, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, gout, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, high cholesterol, lupus, trouble urinating, allergies, or a history of asthma.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problems High levels of potassium in the blood Glaucoma Changes in blood sugar levelsThis medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate, problems urinating
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, uneven heartbeat
Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Atacand HCT
There may be other brand names for this medicine.