Drug Profiles:
candesartan
AKA Atacand®

CAUTION: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription.

Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For candesartan, the following should be considered:

Allergies-
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to candesartan. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy-
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.

Breast-feeding-
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.

Children-
Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of candesartan in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults-
This medicine has been tested in patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, blood levels of candesartan are increased in the elderly.

Racial differences-
Black patients may have a smaller response to the blood pressure-lowering effects of candesartan.

Other medicines-
Always tell your doctor all medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. 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)
• use a salt substitute

Other medical problems-
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Congestive heart failure (severe)
• Dehydration

Proper Use of This Medicine-

• 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.

Dosing-
The dose of candesartan will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

Missed dose-
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.  

Storage-

• Keep out of the reach of children, since overdose may be very dangerous in children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom medicine cabinet, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

• It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
• Check with your doctor immediately if you think that you may be pregnant. Candesartan may cause birth defects or other problems in the baby if taken during pregnancy.
• Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you experience these effects.
• Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and lead to low blood pressure.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting also may occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra care during exercise or hot weather.
• 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.

Side Effects of This Medicine

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)
• 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
• congestion or cough
• insomnia
• diarrhea or upset stomach
• muscle or joint cramps

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.-