What is Atacand?

Atacand (candesartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Candesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Atacand is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications. Atacand is also used in adults with certain types of heart failure, to reduce serious complications or death due to heart damage.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• You may take Atacand with or without food.
• Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent medical tests.
• It may take up to 4 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using Atacand as directed, and talk with your doctor if your blood pressure does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.
• It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: liver disease, high blood levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), loss of too much body water and/or minerals (dehydration).
• If you are using marijuana.
• If you are breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
• This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, increases in potassium level, and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).
• This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Runny nose or sore throat.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).
• Any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Atacand?

A: Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.