What is Candesartan?
Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.
Candesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which
lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension). It is sometimes given together with
other blood pressure medications.
Candesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused
by type 2 diabetes.
Candesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in
this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know
about Candesartan?
Do not use Candesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using
this medication and tell your doctor right away if you
become pregnant. Candesartan can cause injury or death
to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your
second or third trimester. Use effective birth control
while taking Candesartan. You should not use this
medication if you are allergic to Candesartan. Drinking
alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may
increase certain side effects of Candesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes
while you are taking Candesartan, unless your doctor has
told you to.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit
your doctor regularly.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep
using this medication even if you feel well. High blood
pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use
blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
In rare cases, Candesartan can cause a condition that
results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue,
leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away
if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or
weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
tiredness, and dark colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
taking Candesartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic
to Candesartan.
To make sure you can safely take Candesartan, tell your
doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
-kidney disease;
-liver disease;
-congestive heart failure;
-an electrolyte imbalance; or
-if you are dehydrated.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Candesartan if you
are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your
doctor right away if you become pregnant. Candesartan
can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take
the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use
effective birth control while taking Candesartan.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose
adjustment or special tests to safely take this
medication.
It is not known whether Candesartan passes into breast
milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Candesartan?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take
in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription
label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make
sure you get the best results.
You may take Candesartan with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit
your doctor regularly.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks of using this medicine before
your blood pressure is under control. For best results,
keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your
doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of
treatment.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep
using this medication even if you feel well. High blood
pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use
blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that
you are using Candesartan. You may need to stop using
the medicine for a short time. Store at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
See also: Candesartan dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the
missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled
dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed
dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help
line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat,
dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.
What should I avoid while taking Candesartan?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure
and may increase certain side effects of Candesartan. Do
not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while
you are taking Candesartan, unless your doctor has told
you to. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or
lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and
steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Candesartan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty
breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat. In rare cases, Candesartan can cause a condition
that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue,
leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away
if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting,
and dark colored urine. Call your doctor at once if you
have any other serious side effect, such as:
-feeling like you might pass out;
-chest pain;
-swelling in your hands or feet; or
-slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling.
Less serious side effects may include:
-runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
-back pain;
-joint pain;
-stomach pain, diarrhea;
-headache, dizziness; or
-tired feeling.
