Atacand 8mg Tablets

Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug that is rapidly and completely hydrolyzed to candesartan, the active drug, during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Candesartan is a selective, competitive antagonist of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. It blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, thereby inhibiting the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II. This leads to vasodilation, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, and reduced blood pressure. It also reduces cardiac remodeling and fibrosis in heart failure.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden significant weight gain
Signs of high potassium levels, such as:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Dizziness
Back pain
Flu-like symptoms
Common cold symptoms
Sore throat
Stuffy nose

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
Kidney disease, as this may affect how your body processes the medication.
If you are taking a medication that contains aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes or kidney problems, as this combination may increase the risk of adverse effects.
If you are breast-feeding, as this medication is not recommended for nursing mothers. You should not breast-feed while taking this medication.

Special Considerations for Children:

If your child is under 1 year of age, do not administer this medication, as it is not approved for use in infants younger than 1 year.

Additional Precautions:

This medication may interact with other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, natural products, and vitamins. Provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of all your medications and health conditions to ensure safe treatment.
* Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor, as this may affect the safety and efficacy of your treatment.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

When starting this medication, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how it affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.

Regularly check your blood pressure as directed by your healthcare provider. Additionally, follow your doctor's instructions for having your blood work and other laboratory tests monitored.

It may take 4 to 6 weeks to experience the full effects of this medication. If you are using a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium supplement, consult with your doctor.

If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, discuss this with your doctor. When taking this medication for high blood pressure, consult with your doctor before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.

Before consuming alcohol, talk to your doctor. In hot weather or during physical activity, be cautious and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform your doctor, as these conditions may lead to low blood pressure.

It is also important to note that this medication may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in Black patients. In some cases, an additional medication may be necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

• Aliskiren (in patients with diabetes or moderate-to-severe renal impairment [GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²])

• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Potassium supplements - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, including COX-2 inhibitors) - may reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment (especially in elderly, volume-depleted, or renally impaired patients)
• Lithium - increased serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril) - increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment (dual blockade generally not recommended)
• Other antihypertensives - additive hypotensive effect
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) - increased risk of hyperkalemia

• Not available

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially upon standing, indicative of hypotension)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema - rare but serious)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing (angioedema)
• Muscle cramps or weakness, irregular heartbeat (symptoms of hyperkalemia)
• Signs of worsening renal function (e.g., decreased urine output, edema)

Candesartan is contraindicated in pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of fetal injury and death. Exposure during the first trimester may also carry risks. If pregnancy is detected, discontinue candesartan as soon as possible.

It is not known whether candesartan is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Caution is advised.

Approved for hypertension in children 1 to <17 years. Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children less than 1 year of age. Close monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and potassium is essential.

No overall differences in efficacy or safety have been observed between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone, but consider starting at the lower end of the dosing range and monitor renal function more closely, as elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function.

• Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug; it is converted to the active drug candesartan in the GI tract.
• It is generally well-tolerated and a good alternative for patients who develop a cough with ACE inhibitors.
• Once-daily dosing promotes patient adherence.
• Monitor for hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements.
• Angioedema is a rare but serious side effect; educate patients on symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
• Not recommended for use in combination with ACE inhibitors for most patients due to increased risk of adverse events without significant additional benefit.

• Other Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Losartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan, Telmisartan, Olmesartan, Azilsartan
• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril)
• Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Diltiazem)
• Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone)
• Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Carvedilol)
• Direct Renin Inhibitors (e.g., Aliskiren - limited use)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.