Brand Drugs // Blood Pressure // Atacand

PRESCRIBED FOR: Atacand (Candesartan) is used to treat high blood pressure where it may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. It has less of an effect in black patients, as do ACE inhibitors.Atacand (Candesartan) alsois approved for the treatment of patients with heart failure in whom it reduces the chances of death or hospitalization due to heart failure.Blockers appear to be approximately as effective as ACE inhibitors, and the effects of Atacand (Candesartan) add to the effects of ACE inhibitors when they are used together.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Atacand (Candesartan) is used to treat high blood pressure where it may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. It has less of an effect in black patients, as do ACE inhibitors.Atacand (Candesartan) alsois approved for the treatment of patients with heart failure in whom it reduces the chances of death or hospitalization due to heart failure.Blockers appear to be approximately as effective as ACE inhibitors, and the effects of Atacand (Candesartan) add to the effects of ACE inhibitors when they are used together.

DOSING: Atacand (Candesartan) usually is taken once daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions have been described with Atacand (Candesartan) . Since ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers both can increase the concentrations of potassium in the blood, other medications that can increase the concentration of potassium in the blood, such as hydrodiuril (Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), and potassium supplements, should be used cautiously with Atacand (Candesartan).

PREGNANCY: When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, ACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the fetus. Therefore, Atacand (Candesartan) -- which has an action that is similar to the ACE inhibitors--should not be used during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, Atacand (Candesartan) should be stopped as soon as possible.

NURSING MOTHERS: Losartan (Cozaar) is secreted in rat milk, and is toxic to newborn rats. Since Atacand (Candesartan) is chemically similar to losartan, it should be avoided in nursing mothers. It’s safety and efficacy in children have not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect with Atacand (Candesartan) is dizziness which occurs in 1 out of every 25 persons).

WARNING: This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

USES: Atacand (Candesartan) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Atacand (Candesartan) belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.This medication is also used to treat congestive heart failure.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which can rarely cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these effects occur.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 4 to 6 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).