CANDESARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

CANDESARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KAN-de-SAR-tan/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atacand HCT

GENERIC NAME(S): candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications: candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Candesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a "water pill" (diuretic). It increases the amount of urine you make, especially when you first start the medication. It also helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. These medications are used together when 1 drug alone is not controlling your blood pressure. Your doctor may direct you to start taking the individual medications first, and then switch you over to this combination product if this is the best dose combination for you.


How to use CANDESARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to avoid having to get up to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness and lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If either of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss, including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, confusion. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), toe/joint pain, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), decrease in vision, eye pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease (such as renal artery stenosis), liver disease, loss of too much body water and/or minerals (dehydration), untreated mineral imbalance (such as low or high potassium), gout, lupus. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana 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. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of dizziness or lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. This drug may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Hydrochlorothiazide may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.) This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use and Precautions sections. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, dofetilide, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone). Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). This product may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including parathyroid test, protein-bound iodide test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

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Faq for CANDESARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who require dual therapy.

Candesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, reducing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure.

Common side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, tiredness, increased urination, and mild skin rash. It is important to report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider.

Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor for alternative medications.

Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide can interact with other drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, potassium supplements, and certain diuretics. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The full effects of candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide may take several weeks to manifest. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor even if you do not notice immediate improvements in your blood pressure.

Yes, candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing after taking the medication.

Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food. However, it is recommended to take it consistently with food or without food to ensure consistent absorption.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.


Warning

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, tell your doctor right away.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.