Atacand

What is Atacand?

Atacand is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes known as the ARB). Candesartan helps prevent blood vessels from narrowing. It reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow.Atacand is a medication used in the treatment of the problem of high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged at least 1 year old. A lower blood pressure could reduce your chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack.Atacand is also utilized in adults to treat specific kinds of heart failure and reduce the chance of dying or having to be hospitalized due to heart problems.

Warnings

Do not take this medication when you are expecting. Stop taking Atacand and notify your doctor as soon as possible when you find yourself pregnant.If you suffer from diabetes, do not take Atacand along with any other medicine that includes the ingredient aliskiren (a blood pressure medication).

Prior to using this drug

It is recommended not to take Atacand if you have an allergy to candesartan.If you are diabetic, don't take Atacand together with any medication that has the ingredient aliskiren (a blood pressure medication).You might also have to steer clear of taking Atacand with aliskiren when you suffer from kidney problems.

To ensure that Atacand is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:

• A heart problem other than one that is treated by Atacand
• Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis)
• Liver disease
• If you're following a diet that is low in salt,

Don't use Atacand in the event that you are expecting. Stop taking the medication and inform your doctor immediately if you find yourself pregnant. Candesartan can cause injury or even death to an unborn baby if you use the medication during the second or third trimester.If you're planning to get pregnant, consult your doctor about a safe medication to take before and during your pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy could cause issues for the mother as well as the infant.It is not recommended to use this medicine while breastfeeding.

Similar/related drugs

amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, and hydrochlorothiazide

How do I take Atacand?

You should take Atacand exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and study all the medication instructions or sheets. Your doctor may modify your dosage.You can use Atacand in combination with food or not.If your child cannot take an Atacand tablet, a pharmacist can mix the medication into a liquid.Make sure to shake off the liquid prior to measuring the amount. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Candesartan dosages are determined by weight gain in teenagers and children. The dose requirements of your child could be altered if the child loses or gains weight.Your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly. Your kidney function could also require a check.Consult your doctor if you have a fever, diarrhea, or are sweating more than normal. It is possible to become dehydrated when you take Atacand.It could take between 2 and 4 weeks before your blood pressure gets to a level that is manageable. Maintain your use of Atacand as prescribed, even if you are not feeling well. The high blood pressure is often accompanied by no signs.It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medications throughout your life. Treatment options consist of exercise, diet, and lowering cholesterol levels, as well as not smoking and preventing diabetes.If you are in need of surgery, inform your surgeon that you're currently using Atacand. You might have to stop treatment for a short time.Store it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture sources.

Info on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 16 mg taken orally every day, once
Maintenance dose between 8 and 32 mg daily, taken orally between 1 and 2 split doses
Maximum dose: 32 mg/day
Comments:
Consider an initial dose lower for patients who are depleted in volume.
The most significant antihypertensive effects are evident within two weeks. The maximum blood pressure reduction for any dose is typically noticed within four to six weeks after taking the dose.

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 4 mg taken orally every day twice every 2 weeks, if tolerated, up to a maximum dosage of 32 mg taken orally daily.
Utilization: Treatment of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II through IV heart failure

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

1 TO LESS THAN 6 YEARS:
The first dose is 0.2 mg/kg/day taken orally in between 1 and 2 doses divided into two.
Dosage for maintenance: 0.05 to 0.4 mg/kg/day orally in 2 to 1 divided doses.
6 TO LESS THAN 17 YEARS:
More than 50 kg:
Initial dose: 4 to 8 mg/day, orally in 1 to 2 doses.
Maintenance dose 2–16 mg/day taken orally between 1 and 2 split doses
More than 50kg:
Initial dose: 8–16 mg/day taken orally with 1 or 2 split doses.
Maintenance dosage: 4 to 32 mg/day, orally in 2 doses divided
Comments:
For patients who may experience intravascular volume loss (e.g., patients taking diuretics and those suffering from kidney impairment), start this medication under the supervision of a physician and think about the administration of a lower dose.
Antihypertensive effects are evident within two weeks; the maximum blood pressure reduction for the dose you are taking is usually seen within 4 weeks of taking the dose.
If children are not able to take tablets in a rapid manner, a formulated suspension could be substituted.Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.The symptoms of an overdose can be dizziness, rapid heartbeats, or fainting.

What happens if I overdose?

Don't take sodium supplements or substitutes for salt unless your physician has instructed you to.Do not get up too quickly from a lying or seated position. You could get dizzy.

Side effects of Atacand

See a doctor immediately. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching and breathing problems or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

See your doctor immediately if you experience:

• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
• Very little or no urine;
• High potassium levels nausea, weakness, and tingling sensations chest pain, irregular heartbeats, slowing down of movement

Common adverse reactions could include:

• High potassium
• Headache, back pain;
• Symptoms of a cold, like congestion or a runny nose and sneezing. The sore throat;
• Dizziness;
• An abnormal kidney test for kidney abnormalities

This list does not represent all possible side effects.Others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. Report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, particularly:

• Other heart or blood pressure medication;
• Diuretic, or "water pill"
• lithium
• These are nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications): ibuprofen (advil, motrin), naproxen (aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and many more.

This list isn't comprehensive. Other drugs can interact with candesartan.These include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.. Some interactions with drugs are included here.